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2013.04.25 03:59 danger_boogie Weekly Meal Plans
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2016.08.06 19:32 IllustriousCactus London, UK Fountain Pen Club
The London, UK Fountain Pen Club is a laid-back club for fountain pen enthusiasts in London.
2024.05.20 08:52 PropRatActual The Black: Ep 118 Informed Decision
What's up all! 4thWall here. Hope you guys have had a fantastic weekend.
If this is your first episode of "The Black", Welcome!! I hope you will join us from the beginning!
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Tense silence greeted Corellus Grarzia. Moments ago, he had stepped off the shuttle sent for him, and now he was standing in the entryway to the main conference room aboard USN Wisconsin. This meeting greatly reminded him of his first meeting after taking captainship of Olyvia. This time however, there were many more players. All but two of the Privateers were present, the latter being simply too deep into a mission, and too far away to make it in time. Both of the missing ships had completed their objectives, and were in transit, but waiting for them was simply not an option. Admiral Grarzia had arrived with Wisconsin and the rest of the Privateers inside of a week from Cory’s transmission, and Admiral stevens had arrived a week after that. Admiral fulmori had retained the USN Texas as his Flag, having grown fond of Captain Gleeson. Unity High Admiral Kawmarin was still currently flagged aboard USN Galveston and was currently using her superior speed to respond to race across unity space in an attempt to rally Unity forces.
Admiral Clint Stevens had arrived with a five-ship battle group. He was flagged aboard USN Tharsis and was escorted by USN Furlong, USN Iowa, a recently retrofitted and upgraded DDS Protectorate, and a newly commissioned Delmar Frigate. The DDS Stormhold was a hybrid vessel. She had been in the early stages of construction when Humanity and Delmar met for the first time, and she had been modified during construction to make use of the recent innovations born of the their budding alliance. She had but half the displacement of an Iowa Class, but she sported two thirds of the weight of fire by destructive potential. Stormhold had struck many human sailors as what a battleship class would have looked like if the Martians had decided to build the class during Humanity’s civil war. Stormhold carried but a pair of super firing Kinetic batteries in dorsal and ventral positions with a single pair of super firing batteries at her midships. Each turret in the battery only boasted a pair of barrels, and they fired the same 1005 projectile. Stormhold was armed to please however, and she carried twice the same number of PAC batteries as USN Tharsis, and she boasted a full-length central weapon that was very uniquely Delmar. The combined minds of the Brothers grem and their research counterparts in Sol had spent years researching and iterating on the Martian Particle Acceleration Cannon, and they had found something.
DDS Stormhold sported a single long low profile blister stretching the length of her ventral hull, set just to the left of centerline to make room for her kinetic batteries. No less than 6 PAC systems were arrayed in parallel, all feeding one focusing array of titanic size. Stormhold could fire up to all 6 at the array, varying the amount of destruction she wished to adjudicate upon her enemy. Bart had dubbed tis weapon the C-PAC, or “Compound Particle Acceleration Cannon”. The discovery however was not that combining Pac beams was doable. Mars had tried and failed to accomplish this. The discovery was how to make it efficient enough to create a viable weapon. This accomplished, something became abundantly clear from the initial testing…. A C-PAC did not scale linearly, but exponentially. A C-PAC could produce the same destructive energy as an Eros, but only within two hundred fifty thousand Kilometers. The rate of fire was still low, and firing all 6 feeder PACs at once was a cautious calculation, as the heat generated was still a problem, but early tests in a long dead system had seen the accidental cracking of the target planet’s crust. The reaction that followed destabilized the planet entirely and said star system was now one interstellar body lighter.
Stevens brought more than just a battle group, having appropriated four troop transports. Each transport carried a detachment of Marines, with the two MACE squads spread between them for heavy support. It was a small number, but they were to be on hand to evacuate any survivors they could. “Alright people, gather round. All of you have seen the brief by now, and I know all of you are ready for this to happen. Let’s not go in halfcocked” Several heads bobbed in acknowledgement and Stevens turned to spear Cory with a gaze, “For those who might not have met yet, this is Corellus Grarzia, Captain of the Privateer that uncovered this little honeypot of horrors. He’s been the closest to this thing the longest.” Stevens waves to Cory, “Captain?”
Cory stepped up and took a long breath, “The situation’s only gotten worse since my first transmission. The prison freighters and the frigates in orbit are just the beginning of the problem. We’ve since discovered camps on the surface of the planet, I’ve marked them in your updated files” Cory flicked his wrist over his data pad, propagating the information to everyone else’s pad and the table in the center of the room, “This is not just a torture camp, it is an indoctrination and training facility. The kissing of the hand is a surrender trigger of sorts. Kiss the hand, and the child is taken from hell, given food, and given a task. Usually something simple and innocuous, but it is rewarded. If a child accepts without instruction, and without question; they are sent to the surface where they are put into an intense indoctrination program.” Cory took a pause, watching the faces of the men and women in the room. Hard eyes and grim expressions waited for him to continue. “The children are eventually taken on hunts…. Hunts of other failed children and adults of their own species… and hunts of the locals… they are creating insurgents. We may and will encounter opposition made of child soldiers and operatives on the surface. We’ve also discovered a fast response system. Attacking one freighter at a time will trigger the destruction of the other freighters, and it appears that the Frigates in the system are in direct communication with someone outside the system every 20 minutes. That is all we know, at this time.”
Cory nodded to the admirals before stepping back from the table. Mac gave Cory a nod before taking a deep breath, “Thank you Captain. Alright people, no idea goes unspoken. No question goes unasked, we only have one shot at this. Let’s get to work.”
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Warren’s eyes slowly fluttered open, aroused from his slumber by soft lips working their way up from the nape of his neck, “Hmm, Good morning.” He whispered as Jezz pulled herself atop him with a smile of her own. She kissed her way up his chin to his ear before responding, “Morning.” She coo’d back at him, her sultry tone lighting his senses on fire. Warren pulled her the rest of the way to his lips, kissing her gently just as his communicator chirped, “UUgghhhh!!” he groaned, breaking their kiss to open the channel, “L.T. Patterson here.” He stated, trying to keep his voice professional as Jezzaria’s lips began to wander again.
*Lieutenant, We’ve received word. The cargo transports finished loading earlier than anticipated. We will be departing in twenty minutes. Captain Yasushi has asked for your presence on the bridge.*
“Understood, I’ll be there… uh…. Momentarily.” Warren responded closing the channel, looking down at a smugly amused Jezzaria, “Jezz! Now how am I supposed to show up on the bridge with that…”
“Hmm” She mused coyly. “Probably shouldn’t, I better take care of that.” Warren never had a chance to respond.
Twenty minutes later, an only slightly breathless Warren arrived on the bridge, receiving a raised eyebrow from Excelsior’s Captain. “Cutting it rather close, Lieutenant?” Yasushi asked as he scanned the last of the information before departure.
Warren kept his face carefully neutral, “Unavoidable, Sir.” He said formally. “You asked to see me?”
“Yes, Is the Elerian delegation settled in?” Yasushi asked first. “We’ve done what we can to give them ample spaces on the ship attuned to their gravity, and signage to prevent accidents, but I’ve heard rumblings.”
“It not… the gravity sir… May we?” Warren responded carefully, nodding to the captain’s ready room. The two of them stepped into the more private setting, and Warren sat heavily into the chair opposite the desk.
Yasushi regarded the young officer with a studious gaze, “Talk to me son. I need to know if something is brewing during this voyage.”
Warren sighed inwardly. The delegation made up about a quarter of the surviving Elerian race, the Oldest of the Children saved from their planet. They had finished catching up in their education and updating on changes wrought while they were asleep. These Oldest had requested, and obviously granted, permission to travel to their home planet to participate in its recolonization. There was only one real problem with the situation. “Jezz wishes to continue to Delmar, but she is the defacto leader of her species. It is, chafing in some area’s.” Warren finally answered.
“Ah, I see.” Yasushi leaned back into his chair. “Has she told them that She is not staying?”
Warren shook his head, “No sir. She knows she has to stay. It’s just…. It’s just obvious that she hates the reality of the situation, that I must continue to Delmar. It does not help that Many of her people see our relationship as hurtful. They see us as narrowing the genetic pool from which they can recover.”
Yasushi’s eyes softened slightly in understanding, “Atticus’ research?”
“Almost complete sir, it’s all but certain that the Corth placed Elerian DNA in the Human genome. He believes that We could be the key to the genetic diversity needed to jumpstart their species, but… They don’t know that.” Warren sighed, “It’s all still heavily classified pending the conclusion. Her people don’t know what she has put herself through to ensure accurate data. They just see me as stealing their future, and her as a love struck girl playing at leadership.”
Yasushi nodded, bringing up the progress synopsis on his consol, “It appears that Atticus requires only one further ‘experiment’ before his conclusions can be reached. Do you know what that is?”
Warren shook his head, “Sorry, Sir. I don’t. We are to meet him in his onboard lab after lunch. He’s fastidious about records, I’m sure you will know by the time we leave his office.”
“Hmm,” Yasushi mused, taking a moment to review the update before closing it, “I know this is hard for you. You two have been thrust into quite a bit above your stage in life. Let me know if there is anything I can do. Dismissed, Lieutenant.”
Warren saluted crisply, following Yasushi out to the bridge just in time to watch the small convoy leap into slip space. His feet slowly guided him back to the quarters he shared with Jezz, feeling the shift in gravity as he passed into the Eleri safe parts of the ship. It would be a two month sail to the Elerian homeworld, and Warren was not looking forward to its conclusion. His thoughts were interrupted by raised voices, one of which he was intimately familiar with, coming from around the corner, and Warren accelerated his gate.
“You know we barely have the numbers to survive! Instead of doing your duty, you’re bedding that heavy worlder!” It was the oldest Elerian male, Bregan, flanked by two other Elerians. They had ambushed Jezz against the door to the quarters Warren and her shared.
“Back up Breg, I don’t care that your father was pappa’s top general. This is not the play you want to make right now. I am Warren’s, and that is not changing.” Jezz’s voice was stern, and she noticed Warren arrive around the corner. The smallest shake of her head kept him from barging in. Elerian female leaders were a prickly thing, and because He was not Eleri, she needed to do this on her own. They had talked about it, expecting something like this once the first complaints had been whispered. Jezz was still kicking herself for not spending more time with her people, but she had also been instrumental in the Gate project that promised to bind the galaxy more tightly than ever before.
Breg openly scoffed at Jezz, “A woman, ordering me around? Maybe Your precious Human will have an accident.” He sneered, blatantly reaching for Jezz’s wingtips, “Then maybe You’s search for a proper m… UGH!” Warren winced as he heard the tale tale cracking of bone. Jez had slapped away Bren’s outstretched hand before driving her fist into his side. She had underestimated her power, having lived for over a year in various gravities that exceed that of her homeworld, and Bren doubled over with eyes wide as he fell to a knee. He clutched his side, glaring at Jezzaria, “Bitch! I’ll have you brought up on charges! Let’s see your precious human get you out of an assault charges, with witnesses.” Bren sputtered, and his two friends nodded angrily.
“Go ahead, but I do not think you will be successful.” Jezz pointed up to the corner of the corridor opposite Warren, “All hallways are rigged for video and audio. Every threat you have made was logged in the ships computer the moment you puked it out of your pathetic mouth.” Warren had to stifle the chuckle that threatened to escape his lips at the pure vitriol in Jezz’s ton. “As for witnesses, you can come on over, hun.”
Warren put on severe expression, locking eyes with Bregan even as the young mans eyes bugged out of his head. “My husband has been watching for quite a while and would make an excellent witness.” Jezz’s smug expression nearly broke Warrens facade as he crossed his arms in front of the three.
“Hmm, threatening the murder of a Naval officer.. Attempted assault on a reigning monarch… Getting recorded doing so, not a good look.” Warren rumbled, and Breg spat at his feet.
“Fuck you.” Bren spat, “If you believe that to be true, why did you wait for your woman to fight instead of protecting her, coward.”
Warren openly laughed in the boy’s face, “you assume my woman needed saving from you. She’s soared on Luna and Conquered the gravity on Ceres.” Warren paused as a profoundly contemplative expression washed over the three boy’s faces, “What makes you think you were anything close to a threat to MY mate.” Warren growled the last part, making the miscreants take an involuntary step back, “Now get out of here. And get that rib checked out, I heard it break from over there.”
The three Elerian boys scrambled down the hallway, unable to flee on wing because of the narrow space. Warren waited for them to round the corner, and felt Jezz collapse into him almost instantly after. Warren quickly opened their door and pulled her in with him, “Hey, hey, hey. Shhhh” He soothed rubbing her down patch between the base of her wings. She melted into him, but continued shaking for a moment. “Their gone, it’s ok now.”
Jezz took a long shakey breath, “I… I don’t know what to do…. My people are so scared… and I can’t tell them that we need Humans to recover our numbers. I… I don’t know what to do…”
Warren kept rubbing her back, “I’ll have lunch brought here. Breg doesn’t need to see that he shook you.” And Jezz nodded, and a few minutes later a pair of cold cut sandwiches arrived. The two of them ate, Jezz curled up in Warren’s lap. Violence was not a natural decision for her, and it had been the first time she had struck anyone outside her occasional sparring with Warren. Warren partially blamed himself for her not knowing her own strength. He always allowed her to strike at him as hard as she could, knowing that she was incapable of hurting him with her bare hands, and she had gained enough speed and technique to occasionally get through his admittedly average hand to hand skills. He had still not taught her to shoot Kinetics. He worried that she would be simply too fragile to shatter bones should she get behind one of his pistols, or even his rimfire rifle.
They were just beginning to leave when a knock at the door interrupted their clean up. And Warren opened the door, his face a serious mask as he prepared to deal with more of the… “Atticus?” He asked as the Androgenous Corth stepped into their quarters. “I thought we were meeting you in your lab?”
“You are correct Warren. However, after word of Jezzaria’s little incident spread across the ship, I thought it best to have this conversation somewhere more comfortable.” Atticus stated in his usual analytical tone, waving to the seating in the pair’s living quarters. Warren raised an eyebrow and the uncharacteristic catering to circumstances from Atticus and settled onto one side of the queen bed in the corner. Their compartment was spacious considering Excelsiors size, but still lacked any major furnishing outside of the bed, a place for clothes and a chair for the desk which held the computer console. Jezz sat down next to him, and Atticus pulled the desk chair to face them.
“What’s this about Att.” Warren asked, picking up on the small tells that told him that Atticus was stalling.
Atticus flashed a smile to Warren before responding, “I’ve completed my research, at least, as much of it I can without more direct observation, and I am unwilling to ask that with so few Elerians left.” He began, holding up a hand to Jezz who was already opening her mouth to protest, “I have already found some remarkable discoveries regarding you. As you are probably aware, being able to adapt to Luna, and even Ceres should not be possible for your species” he continued looking a Jezz as he spoke, “None of your people, who tried anything like that before have succeeded.”
“But Atticus,” Jezz asked in confusion, “I’m fine… I’m better than fine. Warren and I spent a weekend on Luna to say goodbye to his parents. I don’t have to be tossed to fly there anymore.” Atticus raised an eyebrow and Warren nodded in confirmation.
Atticus seemed to freeze for just a split second, as if adding the information to something before his eyes focused on the two of them again, “I’m impressed, but not entirely surprised, Jezz. You’re ability to adapt has an explanation, I simply needed to prove my original findings from Ceres.” Atticus leaned forward slightly, “My dear, you are an anomaly because of your relationship with Warren. I’ve been told that I am too direct, so I will attempt to be… less so” Atticus gave Warren a semi sharp look as he snorted, but continued, “Both of you already know this first part. My people, many many eons ago, used the fledgling Human species as a library of genetic markers meant to be able to save those species and cultures wiped out by the Cataclysm. What I have learned is that Humanity took many of those genetic markers and evolved with them as their own. Almost nothing of what we added to Humanity’s genetic code is how we left it, but some of our library is still capable of interacting with the origin species. That is what has happened with you Jezz.”
Jezz looked shocked for a moment, but then returned to her confused expression, “But, we haven’t done any of those experiments yet. You told me they were too dangerous.” Warren rubbed her shoulders but said nothing, simply waiting for Atticus to explain himself.
Atticus nodded, “I did, and they are; but I failed to account for something that was already happening naturally. To put it… delicately… Your body has been naturally been exposed those same Genetic markers, including the Elerian ones, in significant quantities since you and Warren chose to become life mates. Because those genetic markers include a hormonal component to them, and because of the extra strain your body had been put through on luna and ceres; your body has reacted to them, using them as a template for survival. Your bone mass has tripled since you travelled to Ceres, and your Muscle mass and composition has dramatically changed as well.”
“But how… Oh..” Warren’s face reddened as his mind finally put the pieces together, and Jezz’s cheeks flushed a bright blue upon her own realization. “But that would mean…”
Atticus shook his head, “No, luckily being able to monitor Jezzaria’s health has led me to a much safer way to help jumpstart the Elerian species, but there is a catch… I believe that this level of artificial genetic hybridization can only be done during the embryonic stages of Elerian life to be 100 percent safe, but I wont know until I study a….. natural hybrid.” Jezz’s breath caught in her chest as her eyes widened but Atticus raised his hands quickly, “I cannot ask this… but I know you would be angry with me if I hid this fact from you. I know the two of you desire children, and I will not lie. It is still a great risk. I’ve learned that the two of you prefer to make your own decisions, so I want you to do so with the most recent information. I’ll leave everything here for you to review.” Leaving a data stick on the desk, Atticus stood. He began stepping toward the door as the stunned couple stayed where they were, “I’ll give you some space. I am sorry for the heaviness of my findings.” Atticus opened the door and stepped out.
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If this is your first episode of "The Black", Welcome!! I hope you will join us from the beginning!
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Tense silence greeted Corellus Grarzia. Moments ago, he had stepped off the shuttle sent for him, and now he was standing in the entryway to the main conference room aboard USN Wisconsin. This meeting greatly reminded him of his first meeting after taking captainship of Olyvia. This time however, there were many more players. All but two of the Privateers were present, the latter being simply too deep into a mission, and too far away to make it in time. Both of the missing ships had completed their objectives, and were in transit, but waiting for them was simply not an option. Admiral Grarzia had arrived with Wisconsin and the rest of the Privateers inside of a week from Cory’s transmission, and Admiral stevens had arrived a week after that. Admiral fulmori had retained the USN Texas as his Flag, having grown fond of Captain Gleeson. Unity High Admiral Kawmarin was still currently flagged aboard USN Galveston and was currently using her superior speed to respond to race across unity space in an attempt to rally Unity forces.
Admiral Clint Stevens had arrived with a five-ship battle group. He was flagged aboard USN Tharsis and was escorted by USN Furlong, USN Iowa, a recently retrofitted and upgraded DDS Protectorate, and a newly commissioned Delmar Frigate. The DDS Stormhold was a hybrid vessel. She had been in the early stages of construction when Humanity and Delmar met for the first time, and she had been modified during construction to make use of the recent innovations born of the their budding alliance. She had but half the displacement of an Iowa Class, but she sported two thirds of the weight of fire by destructive potential. Stormhold had struck many human sailors as what a battleship class would have looked like if the Martians had decided to build the class during Humanity’s civil war. Stormhold carried but a pair of super firing Kinetic batteries in dorsal and ventral positions with a single pair of super firing batteries at her midships. Each turret in the battery only boasted a pair of barrels, and they fired the same 1005 projectile. Stormhold was armed to please however, and she carried twice the same number of PAC batteries as USN Tharsis, and she boasted a full-length central weapon that was very uniquely Delmar. The combined minds of the Brothers grem and their research counterparts in Sol had spent years researching and iterating on the Martian Particle Acceleration Cannon, and they had found something.
DDS Stormhold sported a single long low profile blister stretching the length of her ventral hull, set just to the left of centerline to make room for her kinetic batteries. No less than 6 PAC systems were arrayed in parallel, all feeding one focusing array of titanic size. Stormhold could fire up to all 6 at the array, varying the amount of destruction she wished to adjudicate upon her enemy. Bart had dubbed tis weapon the C-PAC, or “Compound Particle Acceleration Cannon”. The discovery however was not that combining Pac beams was doable. Mars had tried and failed to accomplish this. The discovery was how to make it efficient enough to create a viable weapon. This accomplished, something became abundantly clear from the initial testing…. A C-PAC did not scale linearly, but exponentially. A C-PAC could produce the same destructive energy as an Eros, but only within two hundred fifty thousand Kilometers. The rate of fire was still low, and firing all 6 feeder PACs at once was a cautious calculation, as the heat generated was still a problem, but early tests in a long dead system had seen the accidental cracking of the target planet’s crust. The reaction that followed destabilized the planet entirely and said star system was now one interstellar body lighter.
Stevens brought more than just a battle group, having appropriated four troop transports. Each transport carried a detachment of Marines, with the two MACE squads spread between them for heavy support. It was a small number, but they were to be on hand to evacuate any survivors they could. “Alright people, gather round. All of you have seen the brief by now, and I know all of you are ready for this to happen. Let’s not go in halfcocked” Several heads bobbed in acknowledgement and Stevens turned to spear Cory with a gaze, “For those who might not have met yet, this is Corellus Grarzia, Captain of the Privateer that uncovered this little honeypot of horrors. He’s been the closest to this thing the longest.” Stevens waves to Cory, “Captain?”
Cory stepped up and took a long breath, “The situation’s only gotten worse since my first transmission. The prison freighters and the frigates in orbit are just the beginning of the problem. We’ve since discovered camps on the surface of the planet, I’ve marked them in your updated files” Cory flicked his wrist over his data pad, propagating the information to everyone else’s pad and the table in the center of the room, “This is not just a torture camp, it is an indoctrination and training facility. The kissing of the hand is a surrender trigger of sorts. Kiss the hand, and the child is taken from hell, given food, and given a task. Usually something simple and innocuous, but it is rewarded. If a child accepts without instruction, and without question; they are sent to the surface where they are put into an intense indoctrination program.” Cory took a pause, watching the faces of the men and women in the room. Hard eyes and grim expressions waited for him to continue. “The children are eventually taken on hunts…. Hunts of other failed children and adults of their own species… and hunts of the locals… they are creating insurgents. We may and will encounter opposition made of child soldiers and operatives on the surface. We’ve also discovered a fast response system. Attacking one freighter at a time will trigger the destruction of the other freighters, and it appears that the Frigates in the system are in direct communication with someone outside the system every 20 minutes. That is all we know, at this time.”
Cory nodded to the admirals before stepping back from the table. Mac gave Cory a nod before taking a deep breath, “Thank you Captain. Alright people, no idea goes unspoken. No question goes unasked, we only have one shot at this. Let’s get to work.”
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Warren’s eyes slowly fluttered open, aroused from his slumber by soft lips working their way up from the nape of his neck, “Hmm, Good morning.” He whispered as Jezz pulled herself atop him with a smile of her own. She kissed her way up his chin to his ear before responding, “Morning.” She coo’d back at him, her sultry tone lighting his senses on fire. Warren pulled her the rest of the way to his lips, kissing her gently just as his communicator chirped, “UUgghhhh!!” he groaned, breaking their kiss to open the channel, “L.T. Patterson here.” He stated, trying to keep his voice professional as Jezzaria’s lips began to wander again.
*Lieutenant, We’ve received word. The cargo transports finished loading earlier than anticipated. We will be departing in twenty minutes. Captain Yasushi has asked for your presence on the bridge.*
“Understood, I’ll be there… uh…. Momentarily.” Warren responded closing the channel, looking down at a smugly amused Jezzaria, “Jezz! Now how am I supposed to show up on the bridge with that…”
“Hmm” She mused coyly. “Probably shouldn’t, I better take care of that.” Warren never had a chance to respond.
Twenty minutes later, an only slightly breathless Warren arrived on the bridge, receiving a raised eyebrow from Excelsior’s Captain. “Cutting it rather close, Lieutenant?” Yasushi asked as he scanned the last of the information before departure.
Warren kept his face carefully neutral, “Unavoidable, Sir.” He said formally. “You asked to see me?”
“Yes, Is the Elerian delegation settled in?” Yasushi asked first. “We’ve done what we can to give them ample spaces on the ship attuned to their gravity, and signage to prevent accidents, but I’ve heard rumblings.”
“It not… the gravity sir… May we?” Warren responded carefully, nodding to the captain’s ready room. The two of them stepped into the more private setting, and Warren sat heavily into the chair opposite the desk.
Yasushi regarded the young officer with a studious gaze, “Talk to me son. I need to know if something is brewing during this voyage.”
Warren sighed inwardly. The delegation made up about a quarter of the surviving Elerian race, the Oldest of the Children saved from their planet. They had finished catching up in their education and updating on changes wrought while they were asleep. These Oldest had requested, and obviously granted, permission to travel to their home planet to participate in its recolonization. There was only one real problem with the situation. “Jezz wishes to continue to Delmar, but she is the defacto leader of her species. It is, chafing in some area’s.” Warren finally answered.
“Ah, I see.” Yasushi leaned back into his chair. “Has she told them that She is not staying?”
Warren shook his head, “No sir. She knows she has to stay. It’s just…. It’s just obvious that she hates the reality of the situation, that I must continue to Delmar. It does not help that Many of her people see our relationship as hurtful. They see us as narrowing the genetic pool from which they can recover.”
Yasushi’s eyes softened slightly in understanding, “Atticus’ research?”
“Almost complete sir, it’s all but certain that the Corth placed Elerian DNA in the Human genome. He believes that We could be the key to the genetic diversity needed to jumpstart their species, but… They don’t know that.” Warren sighed, “It’s all still heavily classified pending the conclusion. Her people don’t know what she has put herself through to ensure accurate data. They just see me as stealing their future, and her as a love struck girl playing at leadership.”
Yasushi nodded, bringing up the progress synopsis on his consol, “It appears that Atticus requires only one further ‘experiment’ before his conclusions can be reached. Do you know what that is?”
Warren shook his head, “Sorry, Sir. I don’t. We are to meet him in his onboard lab after lunch. He’s fastidious about records, I’m sure you will know by the time we leave his office.”
“Hmm,” Yasushi mused, taking a moment to review the update before closing it, “I know this is hard for you. You two have been thrust into quite a bit above your stage in life. Let me know if there is anything I can do. Dismissed, Lieutenant.”
Warren saluted crisply, following Yasushi out to the bridge just in time to watch the small convoy leap into slip space. His feet slowly guided him back to the quarters he shared with Jezz, feeling the shift in gravity as he passed into the Eleri safe parts of the ship. It would be a two month sail to the Elerian homeworld, and Warren was not looking forward to its conclusion. His thoughts were interrupted by raised voices, one of which he was intimately familiar with, coming from around the corner, and Warren accelerated his gate.
“You know we barely have the numbers to survive! Instead of doing your duty, you’re bedding that heavy worlder!” It was the oldest Elerian male, Bregan, flanked by two other Elerians. They had ambushed Jezz against the door to the quarters Warren and her shared.
“Back up Breg, I don’t care that your father was pappa’s top general. This is not the play you want to make right now. I am Warren’s, and that is not changing.” Jezz’s voice was stern, and she noticed Warren arrive around the corner. The smallest shake of her head kept him from barging in. Elerian female leaders were a prickly thing, and because He was not Eleri, she needed to do this on her own. They had talked about it, expecting something like this once the first complaints had been whispered. Jezz was still kicking herself for not spending more time with her people, but she had also been instrumental in the Gate project that promised to bind the galaxy more tightly than ever before.
Breg openly scoffed at Jezz, “A woman, ordering me around? Maybe Your precious Human will have an accident.” He sneered, blatantly reaching for Jezz’s wingtips, “Then maybe You’s search for a proper m… UGH!” Warren winced as he heard the tale tale cracking of bone. Jez had slapped away Bren’s outstretched hand before driving her fist into his side. She had underestimated her power, having lived for over a year in various gravities that exceed that of her homeworld, and Bren doubled over with eyes wide as he fell to a knee. He clutched his side, glaring at Jezzaria, “Bitch! I’ll have you brought up on charges! Let’s see your precious human get you out of an assault charges, with witnesses.” Bren sputtered, and his two friends nodded angrily.
“Go ahead, but I do not think you will be successful.” Jezz pointed up to the corner of the corridor opposite Warren, “All hallways are rigged for video and audio. Every threat you have made was logged in the ships computer the moment you puked it out of your pathetic mouth.” Warren had to stifle the chuckle that threatened to escape his lips at the pure vitriol in Jezz’s ton. “As for witnesses, you can come on over, hun.”
Warren put on severe expression, locking eyes with Bregan even as the young mans eyes bugged out of his head. “My husband has been watching for quite a while and would make an excellent witness.” Jezz’s smug expression nearly broke Warrens facade as he crossed his arms in front of the three.
“Hmm, threatening the murder of a Naval officer.. Attempted assault on a reigning monarch… Getting recorded doing so, not a good look.” Warren rumbled, and Breg spat at his feet.
“Fuck you.” Bren spat, “If you believe that to be true, why did you wait for your woman to fight instead of protecting her, coward.”
Warren openly laughed in the boy’s face, “you assume my woman needed saving from you. She’s soared on Luna and Conquered the gravity on Ceres.” Warren paused as a profoundly contemplative expression washed over the three boy’s faces, “What makes you think you were anything close to a threat to MY mate.” Warren growled the last part, making the miscreants take an involuntary step back, “Now get out of here. And get that rib checked out, I heard it break from over there.”
The three Elerian boys scrambled down the hallway, unable to flee on wing because of the narrow space. Warren waited for them to round the corner, and felt Jezz collapse into him almost instantly after. Warren quickly opened their door and pulled her in with him, “Hey, hey, hey. Shhhh” He soothed rubbing her down patch between the base of her wings. She melted into him, but continued shaking for a moment. “Their gone, it’s ok now.”
Jezz took a long shakey breath, “I… I don’t know what to do…. My people are so scared… and I can’t tell them that we need Humans to recover our numbers. I… I don’t know what to do…”
Warren kept rubbing her back, “I’ll have lunch brought here. Breg doesn’t need to see that he shook you.” And Jezz nodded, and a few minutes later a pair of cold cut sandwiches arrived. The two of them ate, Jezz curled up in Warren’s lap. Violence was not a natural decision for her, and it had been the first time she had struck anyone outside her occasional sparring with Warren. Warren partially blamed himself for her not knowing her own strength. He always allowed her to strike at him as hard as she could, knowing that she was incapable of hurting him with her bare hands, and she had gained enough speed and technique to occasionally get through his admittedly average hand to hand skills. He had still not taught her to shoot Kinetics. He worried that she would be simply too fragile to shatter bones should she get behind one of his pistols, or even his rimfire rifle.
They were just beginning to leave when a knock at the door interrupted their clean up. And Warren opened the door, his face a serious mask as he prepared to deal with more of the… “Atticus?” He asked as the Androgenous Corth stepped into their quarters. “I thought we were meeting you in your lab?”
“You are correct Warren. However, after word of Jezzaria’s little incident spread across the ship, I thought it best to have this conversation somewhere more comfortable.” Atticus stated in his usual analytical tone, waving to the seating in the pair’s living quarters. Warren raised an eyebrow and the uncharacteristic catering to circumstances from Atticus and settled onto one side of the queen bed in the corner. Their compartment was spacious considering Excelsiors size, but still lacked any major furnishing outside of the bed, a place for clothes and a chair for the desk which held the computer console. Jezz sat down next to him, and Atticus pulled the desk chair to face them.
“What’s this about Att.” Warren asked, picking up on the small tells that told him that Atticus was stalling.
Atticus flashed a smile to Warren before responding, “I’ve completed my research, at least, as much of it I can without more direct observation, and I am unwilling to ask that with so few Elerians left.” He began, holding up a hand to Jezz who was already opening her mouth to protest, “I have already found some remarkable discoveries regarding you. As you are probably aware, being able to adapt to Luna, and even Ceres should not be possible for your species” he continued looking a Jezz as he spoke, “None of your people, who tried anything like that before have succeeded.”
“But Atticus,” Jezz asked in confusion, “I’m fine… I’m better than fine. Warren and I spent a weekend on Luna to say goodbye to his parents. I don’t have to be tossed to fly there anymore.” Atticus raised an eyebrow and Warren nodded in confirmation.
Atticus seemed to freeze for just a split second, as if adding the information to something before his eyes focused on the two of them again, “I’m impressed, but not entirely surprised, Jezz. You’re ability to adapt has an explanation, I simply needed to prove my original findings from Ceres.” Atticus leaned forward slightly, “My dear, you are an anomaly because of your relationship with Warren. I’ve been told that I am too direct, so I will attempt to be… less so” Atticus gave Warren a semi sharp look as he snorted, but continued, “Both of you already know this first part. My people, many many eons ago, used the fledgling Human species as a library of genetic markers meant to be able to save those species and cultures wiped out by the Cataclysm. What I have learned is that Humanity took many of those genetic markers and evolved with them as their own. Almost nothing of what we added to Humanity’s genetic code is how we left it, but some of our library is still capable of interacting with the origin species. That is what has happened with you Jezz.”
Jezz looked shocked for a moment, but then returned to her confused expression, “But, we haven’t done any of those experiments yet. You told me they were too dangerous.” Warren rubbed her shoulders but said nothing, simply waiting for Atticus to explain himself.
Atticus nodded, “I did, and they are; but I failed to account for something that was already happening naturally. To put it… delicately… Your body has been naturally been exposed those same Genetic markers, including the Elerian ones, in significant quantities since you and Warren chose to become life mates. Because those genetic markers include a hormonal component to them, and because of the extra strain your body had been put through on luna and ceres; your body has reacted to them, using them as a template for survival. Your bone mass has tripled since you travelled to Ceres, and your Muscle mass and composition has dramatically changed as well.”
“But how… Oh..” Warren’s face reddened as his mind finally put the pieces together, and Jezz’s cheeks flushed a bright blue upon her own realization. “But that would mean…”
Atticus shook his head, “No, luckily being able to monitor Jezzaria’s health has led me to a much safer way to help jumpstart the Elerian species, but there is a catch… I believe that this level of artificial genetic hybridization can only be done during the embryonic stages of Elerian life to be 100 percent safe, but I wont know until I study a….. natural hybrid.” Jezz’s breath caught in her chest as her eyes widened but Atticus raised his hands quickly, “I cannot ask this… but I know you would be angry with me if I hid this fact from you. I know the two of you desire children, and I will not lie. It is still a great risk. I’ve learned that the two of you prefer to make your own decisions, so I want you to do so with the most recent information. I’ll leave everything here for you to review.” Leaving a data stick on the desk, Atticus stood. He began stepping toward the door as the stunned couple stayed where they were, “I’ll give you some space. I am sorry for the heaviness of my findings.” Atticus opened the door and stepped out.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
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2024.05.19 17:20 Runopologist Super Squats Beginner Progress/Results and Program Discussion
Hi gainers,
I have just finished running Super Squats by Randall J. Strossen and wanted to share my results. There are plenty of discussions of this program out there already, but I figured sharing my experience with the program can't hurt and can hopefully be interesting, or maybe even useful to someone. This was my first time running a "proper" program (i.e. one designed by a prefessional) and it has been by far the most productive training block I have done so far. Since I am a beginner, I'm not calling this a review (I don't have the training experience to offer any kind of expert opinion). This post is meant rather to show my results as a beginner on the program and to share some of my thoughts about it.
[Before, 82kgs, 10 April 2024](https://imgur.com/a/super-squats-before-82kg-10-04-2024-PvPBvIl). NSFW. Pics taken the day after the first workout.
[After, 86kgs, 18 May 2024](https://imgur.com/a/loPa07y). NSFW. Pics taken the day after the last workout.
Background:
M30, 6'2", no athletic background. Typical denizen of this sub in that I could always eat loads and not put on weight blah blah blah. Worked out in my teens with weights in my room but never maintained a consistent schedule long enough to see significant results. Fast forward to 2 years ago when I started doing bodyweight workouts at home and making an effort to gain weight. Had some success and then started going to the gym at the start of this year. Did a 4 day/week UppeLower split with some success. My weight had fluctuated between a very skinny 67kgs to around 73kgs throughout my twenties. Prior to running Super Squats I had already bulked from 74kgs at the start of December to 82kgs at the start of April (I started taking creatine in January which definitely contributed to this weight gain).
The Program:
Super Squats is a book, which is short (less than 100 pages) and contains everything you need to run the program. Although the book was written in 1989, the routine it outlines is based on old-school squatting programs utilized by strongmen from the 1920s onwards. A chapter is devoted to this history of squats, the "master exercise". There are a couple of anachronisms (my favourite is referring to the hamstrings as "thigh biceps") but overall it is well-written and presented.
The program itself is a six week full-body routine, with the choice to run it 2 or 3 days per week. I won't spell out the whole program here (just buy the book), but the core of the routine is, of course, a single set of twenty heavy squats, with the trainee taking at least three deep breaths between each rep. The squats are supersetted with a set of light pullovers or Rader chest pulls to stretch the rib cage. The starting weight for the squats is a weight you can do for 10 reps (and yes, you really do twenty reps with that weight) and the program stipulates that you must add at least 5lbs/2.5kgs every single workout. The program is fairly light on volume (especially if you run it 2 days per week like I did) but what it lacks in volume, it more than makes up in intensity.
There is no way around it: heavy, high-rep squats are deeply, profoundly, brutally unpleasant. There is no stipulation for rep cadence or how long the set should take, you can take as long as you like, but completing 20 reps with good form will require having the bar on your back for at least 3-4 minutes. From week 2 onwards, the single set of squats always took me more than 5 minutes (and it always felt much longer).
Performing warm-up sets slowly and deliberately was crucially important. Before I even got to the warm-up sets I performed a few reps of touchdown-squats on a box, and a few more of goblet squats with a light kettlebell, opening my hips against a resistance band to prime my glutes and quads.
Super Squats is the embodiment of "mind over matter". The book has a whole section on mindset and positive visualization to help trainees to manage the seemingly impossible task of squatting a 10-rep weight for 20 reps. It sounds stupid, but by the second half of the program, I had gotten into a ritual of giving the bar a firm slap, as a jockey would slap his racehorse, before I started the set, cementing my effort to view the bar not as an enemy to overcome but as a friend helping me to achieve my goals.
Reps 11 and 12 were usually the hardest. By the time I got to ten reps my legs were already trembling. My whole body was drenched in sweat, the weight of the bar impossibly heavy resting on my traps, crushing my whole body into the ground. Time had slowed to a crawl, and the thought that I was only half way would be enough to sap my resolve if I let it. Once I got to rep 13, comfortably more than halfway, I no longer had to think about breathing. I was sucking in great lungfuls of air automatically and heaving them out so hard I sprayed the mirror in front of me with droplets of spit (yes, of course I wiped it down afterwards). Once I got to rep 17 I knew I had the set in the bag. No matter how tortuous those last three reps, no matter how long they took, no matter how many heaving breaths I had to take, I could do 3 more reps.
During week 2 I had what I think is the closest I've ever had to an out-of-body experience. It was as if I was watching someone else perform the agonizing reps while I talked myself through the rest of the set: "Breathe, good, deeper, you've got this, next rep, nice. Keep going".
Breathing is the key. The book talks at length about the importance of deep breathing throughout the set. Pretty quickly, I found that deep breathing was the only way to keep from passing out or collapsing mid set, though as I said, deep breathing becomes automatic about halfway through the set (there's simply no other way to stay upright with the weight on your back). A very helpful tip from the book is to suck in an extra gulp of air on top of your already full lungs for each of the last reps.
If all this sounds a bit exaggerated, try the program and see for yourself. But I'm not trying to put anyone off with this description, quite the opposite! The great thing about Super Squats is that the difficulty of the squats is directly proportional to the feeling of giddy elation upon completing the set. I always felt great after the set, and rode the feeling of accomplishment for the rest of the day. The program really pushes you beyond the boundaries of what you think you can do.
My Progress:
I started the squats at quite a low weight of just 40kg. The book recommends erring on the side of starting too light, and then adding more weight if needed, so that is what I did. Remember, the program stipulates a minimum increase of 5lbs/2.5kgs per workout, but there's nothing saying you can't add more. Once I realized the weight was too light (I managed 21 reps for the first workout) I simply increased the weight by 10kgs on the second workout and continued with the 2.5kg increases from there.
Before starting Super Squats I had had a two week break from training due to illness, so I started with too-low weights (I exceeded the target rep range on all exercises). So I increased the weight by 5-10kgs depending on the exercise for the second workout. The program has varying set numbers and rep ranges for different exercises. As a general rule, I increased the weight once I could hit the target rep range for the first two sets of each exercise, but I did not stick to this rule every workout.
The only thing I stuck to was the minimum increase of 2.5kgs for the squats every workout. I managed this consistently until the final week, when I failed on the eccentric of the tenth rep with a weight of 77.5kgs (a 5kg increase on the previous workout). My legs just gave way and I could not get back up. I did two more sets to make sure that I at least performed more total reps than the previous workout. Then, in the last workout, I amazed myself by succesfully performing all 20 reps with the same weight. Definitely the hardest set I have ever done, and I was completely finished afterwards, but the highlight of the program for sure.
Other ups and downs: I lost reps on Bench and Bent-over Rows on both workouts of week five, but got them back in week six and set new PRs on both. A good reminder that progress is rarely linear. My left knee started hurting in the last week, but thankfully the pain hasn't persisted. I guess my form might have broken down a bit too much in one of the last workouts.
Diet:
The book's diet advice is very simple: lots of calories and protein, with the majority coming from healthy whole food sources. Nothing surprising there. The book has two recommendations in addition to meals for achieving these goals: milk and shakes. The book doesn't use the GOMAD acronym, but that's basically what it boils down to: a recommended minimum of 2 quarts (about 2 litres) per day in addition to meals and snacks, with a recommendation to increase to up to a gallon (nearly 4 litres) per day if you can.
I was somewhat surprised to see that the book recommends home-made mass gainer shakes for trainees who struggle to eat enough solid food (the book refers to them as "blender bombs" which I think sounds much cooler).
I am not vegetarian, but I don't eat meat very often. I live with my fiancee, who doesn't like meat, and since we eat dinner, the main meal of the day, together, we eat a lot of plant-based meat substitutes. I did, however, eat meat more often than usual during the program. My typical diet looks something like this:
Breakfast: Usually muesli, with seeds, fruit (apple or banana), yoghurt, and a scoop of unflavoured whey protein.
Lunch: Usually eggs, fried or scrambled in butter, served with wilted spinach on wholemeal toast or with pasta and pesto. If not eggs then leftovers from last night's dinner. My local supermarkets do a rangle of reasonably healthy frozen meals and during the program I ate these a couple of times per week, always going for chicken dishes with plenty of vegetables.
Dinner: Something based around the aforementioned meat substitutes. Favourites include spaghetti bolognese (with plenty of cheese of course), chili with black beans, sour cream and guacomole served with rice, and burgers with fries for a "junk"/"dirty" option.
I don't count calories but I do roughly track protein, aiming for 2g per kg bodyweight and topping up with whey protein as needed.
During Super Squats, I upped my creatine dosage from 3.5g/day to 5g/day, added extra snacks to the above diet (nuts, dark chocolate etc.) and also milk and shakes as the book suggests. For the first three weeks I had a daily shake consisting of whey protein, milk, cocoa powder, banana, peanut butter and oats. The shakes helped with weight gain, but they proved unsustainable, as they led to some, er, digestive issues. Ok, they gave me explosive diarrhoea. See [this review of Super Squats](https://empire-barbell.com/2021/07/23/super-squats-review-of-the-legendary-20-rep-squat-program/) in which the author recounts ingesting a shake according to the book's recipe before starting a work shift and shitting himself during the shift, lol.
I hadn't really drank milk for several years prior to the program (I tend to prefer oat milk with my muesli) but I did increase my milk consumption slowly over the six weeks. For most of the duration I drank a couple of glasses per day, totalling only about 500ml -1 litre. Only in the last week did I make a serious effort to drink at least 2 litres per day. Turns out it's really easy to drink a lot of milk, and a very cost-efficient way to get lots of extra calories and protein. Who knew haha.
Rest and Recovery:
I've been having trouble sleeping lately, which was the reason I opted to do the program 2 days per week from the beginning (the book recommends starting with 3 days and dropping down to 2 if you find you can't recover sufficiently between workouts). I was a very deep sleeper as a child but those days are long gone and these days the slightest noise seems to be enough to wake me. My fiancee gets up early for work during the week (her alarm goes off at 4:45am), ivariably waking me before it does her, and we have a cat, who tends, as cats do, to go crazy in the small hours (her new favourite thing is scratching frantically on the closet doors). I've tired everything I can think of short of getting rid of the cat, which I'm not willing to do for the sake of gains. Hopefully she will mellow as she gets older. If nothing else, I guess it's good practice for when we become parents lol. Suffice to say it's rare that I get an uninterrupted 8 hours of sleep.
I tried to do everything within my power to get as good sleep as I could (making an effort to get to bed earlier, playing with the cat to tire her out, etc.). I still made good gains despite overall poor sleep, but there were definitely some days when I could have gotten to bed earlier.
What I liked about the program:
Super Squats is a simple, easy-to follow program which is practically guaranteed to lead to growth. The non-negotiable nature of progression from workout to workout gives a strong incentive to eat enough and get enough rest. I seriously can't see how someone could follow this program, increasing the weight as prescribed, and not grow.
Another thing I liked was making significant progress over a short timeframe while only training 2 days per week, leaving more time for life outside the gym.
By far the biggest benefit of the program, hower, is the lessons it imparts and the mental toughness it inculcates. Lessons you can only learn by standing under the crushing weight of the bar for 20 reps. Put simply, you are capable of more than you think you are, and this program teaches you that in a way that words never could. I feel that I now inderstand intensity as a training variable far more deeply than I did before the program. After running Super Squats I understand why it is so often recommended to beginners.
What I didn't like about the program:
The individual workouts took far too long. This was by far the biggest thing I disliked about the program. The book claims that the Basic Routine should take less than an hour to complete, but I found that I rarely completed a workout in less than 90 minutes, and several times it took me a full 2 hours. Granted, this was partly due to training in a busy McGym, where waiting for equipment is often a factor, and I feel like I spend half my life searching for locking collars, but even so, the long workouts were grinding. Another big factor is just how exhausted you are after that set of squats. I often felt like I was moving in slo-mo, with the stiff-legged deadlifts (themselves no easy exercise) and calf and ab work still to get through.
The other main negative factor was how daunting the squats are. I rarely looked forward to workouts, and often actively dreaded them. I really had to psyche myself up to go to the gym on this program, despite knowing that I would feel great after my workout. That next set of squats was always looming ahead menacingly.
What I would do differently:
The biggest thing I would change is doing the milk properly from the beginning. By "doing the milk" I mean drinking at least the recommended 2 quarts per day. I would also probably leave the shakes out, and make an effort to eat cleaner. I kind of gave myself free reign to cut corners and do what it takes to gain on the program (spooning peanut butter from the jar and ice cream from the tub, eating "junk" meals like burgers and fries or frozen pizzas a couple of times a week, etc.).
I would have chosen a different abs exercise. I did hollow-body crunches, but since these can't be loaded (as far as I know) I had to resort to adding extra reps and then an extra set to add progressive overload. It would have been smarter and more time-efficient to simply choose a weighted abs exercise and increase the load each workout.
I could have been more diligent about consistenly increasing weight/reps on all exercises other than the squats. I feel my progress on the other lifts could have been better.
The book does not mention cardio, and in fact states that trainees should move as little as possible outside of training to allow for maximum recovery. I will definitely add some light cardio in the form of walking the next time I run the program (thanks to u/MythicalStrength for pointing out that since the program is based on old-school principles, it is likely assumed that pretty much everyone would have been doing a fair bit of walking before lifestyles became so sedentary in developed countries). Over the weekend between weeks five and six my mother came to visit, and in the course of showing her around my city I did a lot of walking that weekend (15k steps each day). I think this may have contributed to the failure on the first workout of week 6 by eating into my recovery. Ideally, I would just do, say, a 30-40 minute walk on off days throughout the program.
Most of all, I would trust the process. Of course this is easy to say with hindsight, but there was a point in weeks 3-4 where I got quite demotivated, felt like I coudn't notice the program working (of course not - visual changes take longer than a couple of weeks!) and felt quite tired out from all the eating, so I ended up eating a bit less for about a week in the middle of the program, which quite possibly contributed to the strength losses in week 5. Again, progress isn't linear, but if you stick to the program over six weeks it will pay off.
Conclusion/Next Steps:
Running Super Squats over the last six weeks has been without a doubt the most physically and mentally challenging thing I have ever done, but the payoff has been well worth it. 4kgs gained in 6 weeks and invaluable lessons learned. I'm going to have to go clothes shopping and replace most of my wardrobe. Shirts and T-shirts that were loose are now tight, and my old slim-fit T-shirts now look comically small. Even my straight-leg jeans are now tight fitting (my fiancee said the other day, "Those jeans are a bit tight on you now, huh? But your bum looks great!").
Being on the taller side, I still have quite a lot of frame to fill out, and I still have a lot to learn about training. I will definitely be running Super Squats again in future. I am especially interested in running the Abbreviated Program, consisting of only the squats, pullovers/Rader chest pulls, bench, and bent-over rows. This would solve the problem of workouts being too long, but I imagine it would be extremely challenging, since you should increase the weight on all exercises each workout, not just the squats. With bench and bent-over rows offering less overall muscle fibre recruitment than squats, and 2.5kgs being the smallest weight increase logistically possible (in my gym, anyway), I imagine that this would be challenging in the extreme.
The book suggests running a strength-building training block after the 20-rep squat program, consisting of more sets with lower rep ranges. It even suggests alternating between six weeks on the 20-rep squat program and six on the strength-building program, extending Super Squats well past the initial six weeks. While this approach is intriguing, I want to try something different, and I would rather have more training days in the week in return for shorter individual workouts.
I've ordered a copy of 5/3/1 and will probably run 531 for Beginners, and then see which template I run after that. I have my eye on the BBB Beefcake 3 Month Challenge, but I'll see when I get there. For now, I'm going to dial back on the eating, to around maintenance levels, for at least a couple of weeks (I need a break from stuffing myself all day).
In the meantime, I can't recommend Super Squats enough! You will surprise yourself on this program.
Well, that turned into a huge wall of text. Thanks very much for taking the time to read if you got this far!
submitted by Runopologist to gainit [link] [comments]
I have just finished running Super Squats by Randall J. Strossen and wanted to share my results. There are plenty of discussions of this program out there already, but I figured sharing my experience with the program can't hurt and can hopefully be interesting, or maybe even useful to someone. This was my first time running a "proper" program (i.e. one designed by a prefessional) and it has been by far the most productive training block I have done so far. Since I am a beginner, I'm not calling this a review (I don't have the training experience to offer any kind of expert opinion). This post is meant rather to show my results as a beginner on the program and to share some of my thoughts about it.
[Before, 82kgs, 10 April 2024](https://imgur.com/a/super-squats-before-82kg-10-04-2024-PvPBvIl). NSFW. Pics taken the day after the first workout.
[After, 86kgs, 18 May 2024](https://imgur.com/a/loPa07y). NSFW. Pics taken the day after the last workout.
Background:
M30, 6'2", no athletic background. Typical denizen of this sub in that I could always eat loads and not put on weight blah blah blah. Worked out in my teens with weights in my room but never maintained a consistent schedule long enough to see significant results. Fast forward to 2 years ago when I started doing bodyweight workouts at home and making an effort to gain weight. Had some success and then started going to the gym at the start of this year. Did a 4 day/week UppeLower split with some success. My weight had fluctuated between a very skinny 67kgs to around 73kgs throughout my twenties. Prior to running Super Squats I had already bulked from 74kgs at the start of December to 82kgs at the start of April (I started taking creatine in January which definitely contributed to this weight gain).
The Program:
Super Squats is a book, which is short (less than 100 pages) and contains everything you need to run the program. Although the book was written in 1989, the routine it outlines is based on old-school squatting programs utilized by strongmen from the 1920s onwards. A chapter is devoted to this history of squats, the "master exercise". There are a couple of anachronisms (my favourite is referring to the hamstrings as "thigh biceps") but overall it is well-written and presented.
The program itself is a six week full-body routine, with the choice to run it 2 or 3 days per week. I won't spell out the whole program here (just buy the book), but the core of the routine is, of course, a single set of twenty heavy squats, with the trainee taking at least three deep breaths between each rep. The squats are supersetted with a set of light pullovers or Rader chest pulls to stretch the rib cage. The starting weight for the squats is a weight you can do for 10 reps (and yes, you really do twenty reps with that weight) and the program stipulates that you must add at least 5lbs/2.5kgs every single workout. The program is fairly light on volume (especially if you run it 2 days per week like I did) but what it lacks in volume, it more than makes up in intensity.
There is no way around it: heavy, high-rep squats are deeply, profoundly, brutally unpleasant. There is no stipulation for rep cadence or how long the set should take, you can take as long as you like, but completing 20 reps with good form will require having the bar on your back for at least 3-4 minutes. From week 2 onwards, the single set of squats always took me more than 5 minutes (and it always felt much longer).
Performing warm-up sets slowly and deliberately was crucially important. Before I even got to the warm-up sets I performed a few reps of touchdown-squats on a box, and a few more of goblet squats with a light kettlebell, opening my hips against a resistance band to prime my glutes and quads.
Super Squats is the embodiment of "mind over matter". The book has a whole section on mindset and positive visualization to help trainees to manage the seemingly impossible task of squatting a 10-rep weight for 20 reps. It sounds stupid, but by the second half of the program, I had gotten into a ritual of giving the bar a firm slap, as a jockey would slap his racehorse, before I started the set, cementing my effort to view the bar not as an enemy to overcome but as a friend helping me to achieve my goals.
Reps 11 and 12 were usually the hardest. By the time I got to ten reps my legs were already trembling. My whole body was drenched in sweat, the weight of the bar impossibly heavy resting on my traps, crushing my whole body into the ground. Time had slowed to a crawl, and the thought that I was only half way would be enough to sap my resolve if I let it. Once I got to rep 13, comfortably more than halfway, I no longer had to think about breathing. I was sucking in great lungfuls of air automatically and heaving them out so hard I sprayed the mirror in front of me with droplets of spit (yes, of course I wiped it down afterwards). Once I got to rep 17 I knew I had the set in the bag. No matter how tortuous those last three reps, no matter how long they took, no matter how many heaving breaths I had to take, I could do 3 more reps.
During week 2 I had what I think is the closest I've ever had to an out-of-body experience. It was as if I was watching someone else perform the agonizing reps while I talked myself through the rest of the set: "Breathe, good, deeper, you've got this, next rep, nice. Keep going".
Breathing is the key. The book talks at length about the importance of deep breathing throughout the set. Pretty quickly, I found that deep breathing was the only way to keep from passing out or collapsing mid set, though as I said, deep breathing becomes automatic about halfway through the set (there's simply no other way to stay upright with the weight on your back). A very helpful tip from the book is to suck in an extra gulp of air on top of your already full lungs for each of the last reps.
If all this sounds a bit exaggerated, try the program and see for yourself. But I'm not trying to put anyone off with this description, quite the opposite! The great thing about Super Squats is that the difficulty of the squats is directly proportional to the feeling of giddy elation upon completing the set. I always felt great after the set, and rode the feeling of accomplishment for the rest of the day. The program really pushes you beyond the boundaries of what you think you can do.
My Progress:
I started the squats at quite a low weight of just 40kg. The book recommends erring on the side of starting too light, and then adding more weight if needed, so that is what I did. Remember, the program stipulates a minimum increase of 5lbs/2.5kgs per workout, but there's nothing saying you can't add more. Once I realized the weight was too light (I managed 21 reps for the first workout) I simply increased the weight by 10kgs on the second workout and continued with the 2.5kg increases from there.
Before starting Super Squats I had had a two week break from training due to illness, so I started with too-low weights (I exceeded the target rep range on all exercises). So I increased the weight by 5-10kgs depending on the exercise for the second workout. The program has varying set numbers and rep ranges for different exercises. As a general rule, I increased the weight once I could hit the target rep range for the first two sets of each exercise, but I did not stick to this rule every workout.
The only thing I stuck to was the minimum increase of 2.5kgs for the squats every workout. I managed this consistently until the final week, when I failed on the eccentric of the tenth rep with a weight of 77.5kgs (a 5kg increase on the previous workout). My legs just gave way and I could not get back up. I did two more sets to make sure that I at least performed more total reps than the previous workout. Then, in the last workout, I amazed myself by succesfully performing all 20 reps with the same weight. Definitely the hardest set I have ever done, and I was completely finished afterwards, but the highlight of the program for sure.
Other ups and downs: I lost reps on Bench and Bent-over Rows on both workouts of week five, but got them back in week six and set new PRs on both. A good reminder that progress is rarely linear. My left knee started hurting in the last week, but thankfully the pain hasn't persisted. I guess my form might have broken down a bit too much in one of the last workouts.
Diet:
The book's diet advice is very simple: lots of calories and protein, with the majority coming from healthy whole food sources. Nothing surprising there. The book has two recommendations in addition to meals for achieving these goals: milk and shakes. The book doesn't use the GOMAD acronym, but that's basically what it boils down to: a recommended minimum of 2 quarts (about 2 litres) per day in addition to meals and snacks, with a recommendation to increase to up to a gallon (nearly 4 litres) per day if you can.
I was somewhat surprised to see that the book recommends home-made mass gainer shakes for trainees who struggle to eat enough solid food (the book refers to them as "blender bombs" which I think sounds much cooler).
I am not vegetarian, but I don't eat meat very often. I live with my fiancee, who doesn't like meat, and since we eat dinner, the main meal of the day, together, we eat a lot of plant-based meat substitutes. I did, however, eat meat more often than usual during the program. My typical diet looks something like this:
Breakfast: Usually muesli, with seeds, fruit (apple or banana), yoghurt, and a scoop of unflavoured whey protein.
Lunch: Usually eggs, fried or scrambled in butter, served with wilted spinach on wholemeal toast or with pasta and pesto. If not eggs then leftovers from last night's dinner. My local supermarkets do a rangle of reasonably healthy frozen meals and during the program I ate these a couple of times per week, always going for chicken dishes with plenty of vegetables.
Dinner: Something based around the aforementioned meat substitutes. Favourites include spaghetti bolognese (with plenty of cheese of course), chili with black beans, sour cream and guacomole served with rice, and burgers with fries for a "junk"/"dirty" option.
I don't count calories but I do roughly track protein, aiming for 2g per kg bodyweight and topping up with whey protein as needed.
During Super Squats, I upped my creatine dosage from 3.5g/day to 5g/day, added extra snacks to the above diet (nuts, dark chocolate etc.) and also milk and shakes as the book suggests. For the first three weeks I had a daily shake consisting of whey protein, milk, cocoa powder, banana, peanut butter and oats. The shakes helped with weight gain, but they proved unsustainable, as they led to some, er, digestive issues. Ok, they gave me explosive diarrhoea. See [this review of Super Squats](https://empire-barbell.com/2021/07/23/super-squats-review-of-the-legendary-20-rep-squat-program/) in which the author recounts ingesting a shake according to the book's recipe before starting a work shift and shitting himself during the shift, lol.
I hadn't really drank milk for several years prior to the program (I tend to prefer oat milk with my muesli) but I did increase my milk consumption slowly over the six weeks. For most of the duration I drank a couple of glasses per day, totalling only about 500ml -1 litre. Only in the last week did I make a serious effort to drink at least 2 litres per day. Turns out it's really easy to drink a lot of milk, and a very cost-efficient way to get lots of extra calories and protein. Who knew haha.
Rest and Recovery:
I've been having trouble sleeping lately, which was the reason I opted to do the program 2 days per week from the beginning (the book recommends starting with 3 days and dropping down to 2 if you find you can't recover sufficiently between workouts). I was a very deep sleeper as a child but those days are long gone and these days the slightest noise seems to be enough to wake me. My fiancee gets up early for work during the week (her alarm goes off at 4:45am), ivariably waking me before it does her, and we have a cat, who tends, as cats do, to go crazy in the small hours (her new favourite thing is scratching frantically on the closet doors). I've tired everything I can think of short of getting rid of the cat, which I'm not willing to do for the sake of gains. Hopefully she will mellow as she gets older. If nothing else, I guess it's good practice for when we become parents lol. Suffice to say it's rare that I get an uninterrupted 8 hours of sleep.
I tried to do everything within my power to get as good sleep as I could (making an effort to get to bed earlier, playing with the cat to tire her out, etc.). I still made good gains despite overall poor sleep, but there were definitely some days when I could have gotten to bed earlier.
What I liked about the program:
Super Squats is a simple, easy-to follow program which is practically guaranteed to lead to growth. The non-negotiable nature of progression from workout to workout gives a strong incentive to eat enough and get enough rest. I seriously can't see how someone could follow this program, increasing the weight as prescribed, and not grow.
Another thing I liked was making significant progress over a short timeframe while only training 2 days per week, leaving more time for life outside the gym.
By far the biggest benefit of the program, hower, is the lessons it imparts and the mental toughness it inculcates. Lessons you can only learn by standing under the crushing weight of the bar for 20 reps. Put simply, you are capable of more than you think you are, and this program teaches you that in a way that words never could. I feel that I now inderstand intensity as a training variable far more deeply than I did before the program. After running Super Squats I understand why it is so often recommended to beginners.
What I didn't like about the program:
The individual workouts took far too long. This was by far the biggest thing I disliked about the program. The book claims that the Basic Routine should take less than an hour to complete, but I found that I rarely completed a workout in less than 90 minutes, and several times it took me a full 2 hours. Granted, this was partly due to training in a busy McGym, where waiting for equipment is often a factor, and I feel like I spend half my life searching for locking collars, but even so, the long workouts were grinding. Another big factor is just how exhausted you are after that set of squats. I often felt like I was moving in slo-mo, with the stiff-legged deadlifts (themselves no easy exercise) and calf and ab work still to get through.
The other main negative factor was how daunting the squats are. I rarely looked forward to workouts, and often actively dreaded them. I really had to psyche myself up to go to the gym on this program, despite knowing that I would feel great after my workout. That next set of squats was always looming ahead menacingly.
What I would do differently:
The biggest thing I would change is doing the milk properly from the beginning. By "doing the milk" I mean drinking at least the recommended 2 quarts per day. I would also probably leave the shakes out, and make an effort to eat cleaner. I kind of gave myself free reign to cut corners and do what it takes to gain on the program (spooning peanut butter from the jar and ice cream from the tub, eating "junk" meals like burgers and fries or frozen pizzas a couple of times a week, etc.).
I would have chosen a different abs exercise. I did hollow-body crunches, but since these can't be loaded (as far as I know) I had to resort to adding extra reps and then an extra set to add progressive overload. It would have been smarter and more time-efficient to simply choose a weighted abs exercise and increase the load each workout.
I could have been more diligent about consistenly increasing weight/reps on all exercises other than the squats. I feel my progress on the other lifts could have been better.
The book does not mention cardio, and in fact states that trainees should move as little as possible outside of training to allow for maximum recovery. I will definitely add some light cardio in the form of walking the next time I run the program (thanks to u/MythicalStrength for pointing out that since the program is based on old-school principles, it is likely assumed that pretty much everyone would have been doing a fair bit of walking before lifestyles became so sedentary in developed countries). Over the weekend between weeks five and six my mother came to visit, and in the course of showing her around my city I did a lot of walking that weekend (15k steps each day). I think this may have contributed to the failure on the first workout of week 6 by eating into my recovery. Ideally, I would just do, say, a 30-40 minute walk on off days throughout the program.
Most of all, I would trust the process. Of course this is easy to say with hindsight, but there was a point in weeks 3-4 where I got quite demotivated, felt like I coudn't notice the program working (of course not - visual changes take longer than a couple of weeks!) and felt quite tired out from all the eating, so I ended up eating a bit less for about a week in the middle of the program, which quite possibly contributed to the strength losses in week 5. Again, progress isn't linear, but if you stick to the program over six weeks it will pay off.
Conclusion/Next Steps:
Running Super Squats over the last six weeks has been without a doubt the most physically and mentally challenging thing I have ever done, but the payoff has been well worth it. 4kgs gained in 6 weeks and invaluable lessons learned. I'm going to have to go clothes shopping and replace most of my wardrobe. Shirts and T-shirts that were loose are now tight, and my old slim-fit T-shirts now look comically small. Even my straight-leg jeans are now tight fitting (my fiancee said the other day, "Those jeans are a bit tight on you now, huh? But your bum looks great!").
Being on the taller side, I still have quite a lot of frame to fill out, and I still have a lot to learn about training. I will definitely be running Super Squats again in future. I am especially interested in running the Abbreviated Program, consisting of only the squats, pullovers/Rader chest pulls, bench, and bent-over rows. This would solve the problem of workouts being too long, but I imagine it would be extremely challenging, since you should increase the weight on all exercises each workout, not just the squats. With bench and bent-over rows offering less overall muscle fibre recruitment than squats, and 2.5kgs being the smallest weight increase logistically possible (in my gym, anyway), I imagine that this would be challenging in the extreme.
The book suggests running a strength-building training block after the 20-rep squat program, consisting of more sets with lower rep ranges. It even suggests alternating between six weeks on the 20-rep squat program and six on the strength-building program, extending Super Squats well past the initial six weeks. While this approach is intriguing, I want to try something different, and I would rather have more training days in the week in return for shorter individual workouts.
I've ordered a copy of 5/3/1 and will probably run 531 for Beginners, and then see which template I run after that. I have my eye on the BBB Beefcake 3 Month Challenge, but I'll see when I get there. For now, I'm going to dial back on the eating, to around maintenance levels, for at least a couple of weeks (I need a break from stuffing myself all day).
In the meantime, I can't recommend Super Squats enough! You will surprise yourself on this program.
Well, that turned into a huge wall of text. Thanks very much for taking the time to read if you got this far!
2024.05.16 22:57 lorienne22 I don't know what to do, or rather what I can do, but I need to do it soon. Maybe my situation sounds familiar?
Looking for advice on becoming OE if anyone is feeling froggy. I just don't know what I could do, but debt keeps slowly piling up and there's no good end in sight. Crap keeps happening and we add a little more debt each time. You all seem to have yourselves together, but I also think you are working with more knowledge & experience in the fields that make OE possible. I'm going to apologize for the length in advance.
I am 46. Intelligent, but far too dumb to do anything with it in high school when I would have qualified for full free rides to college if I'd put any effort into it. They called it gifted and put me in special & advanced classes. I outscored the valedictorian on the advanced grammar final without studying. This is relevant; I swear. I just want to lay out what I'm capable of despite the path I put myself on due to early poor decisions.
Graduated at 17 despite no effort (I started school early; back then you could do that if the kid tested high enough), working full time right away in food service. Got pregnant at 18, got a job at the bank. Started as teller and ended as the Vault Manager. Over the next few years, I did switchboard for a large construction company and Club Secretary for one of the local country clubs. Turns out I thrive in support roles. I'm a people pleaser.
Still in my early 20s, I was a legal secretary for eight years specializing in everything but criminal and domestic. I can do transcription, correspondence, and manage calendars. I can create pleadings, estate planning documents, rental and purchase agreements, corporate filings and even some PI work. Mostly my dictation for creation of documents went like, "We need a will. Use the Smith's as an example. Each other's PRs, then the daughter. Everything to each other then the kids, per stirpes. Separate share trust with distro at 25 and 30." I cannot create a full will with all the legalese, but I can edit an existing template to fit the customer. By the end, I was reminding the atty of the provisions he was forgetting to add to some agreements.
After that, I started my Exec Asst gigs. Three years for the CEO at a healthcare facility until they eliminated my position and four years for the President of a manufacturing facility. That's when they promoted my boss, he headed back to Germany, and I got the boss from hell. He fired me for refusing to come in on my day off to work for free (not to mention the subtle fat shaming). I guess they do that in Belgium, but not here buddy. HR tried to tell him. He didn't listen. I'd not been fired before, but I was mad and took the free vacation.
After unemployment and my little settlement, I took a small job as a receptionist seven years go because Exec Asst jobs are not a dime a dozen in this Midwest region and I didn't want to waste all of my savings being lazy. I tried to leave within a few months because I did find something better that still had quite a commute, but my employer had issues in the past filling this role so they threw a bunch of money at me to get me to stay. I've been answering a busy phone on top of other tasks I was assigned once they realized that I could do more than answer a phone, but still got exec asst pay. Only recently were they able to find another receptionist so I could focus all my time on being the boss' asst. I guess four lines lighting up at once isn't something everyone can handle.
I have a lot of down time while on the job, in office. I can't do remote for them because most of my job is harassing my boss to do his (the joke is he pays extra for the harassment), and another physical job is impossible because the commute is just over forty-five minutes each way. I have an eleven hour day. I'm physically driving for an hour and a half, I'm lunching for an hour, but I'm only actually working about 2-3 hours on some days while I'm here. I do like it, especially the people and my boss(es) are great. It's not overly challenging unless you count flighty customers who can't seem to decide what day they want my tech to fly there for service, and I don't have to take stress home. Kids are grown, so I only need to be in the room with the spouse for "quality time" once I get home at 6pm.
I'm proficient in all Microsoft Office programs, Google office programs, I've learned some user-unfriendly management software over the years like SAP and Prophet 21. It's been awhile since I've done much Adobe, but I can get through it and make some damned good looking business cards. I book travel and coordinate meetings, I plan events, I create flyers (Canva for this because I'm not that creative), etc. Basically, lots of support tasks and I just figure out what I don't already know. That's what Google's for, right?
I've not done any social media management nor QuickBooks, but I think learning one of those might put me in the direction I need...maybe? Seems like those might be things that would make finding remote work easier, but I'm only speculating. I want to ask you all, but that seems rude...and time consuming.
I need something either sporadic enough or with enough deadline leeway I could do it on my down time or even a tad after I get home in the evening if I couldn't get to it during the day. I was thinking Virtual Asst, but that market seems flooded with people from overseas willing to work for nothing. I can do cheap tasks, but I can't work for $5/hour. Maybe reach out to some law offices for spill over dictation? I did do that over my unwanted sabbatical through a service. I think I'm going to have to learn to market myself, maybe. I do still have a foot pedal.
Does this sound familiar to anyone? Do you have advice for me on how to get started? Do you have a suggestion for what I could pull off based on what you read about me? Do you have suggestions on things I need to do/learn before I even attempt something?
Any knowledge you wish to bless me with would be greatly appreciated.
submitted by lorienne22 to OverEmployedWomen [link] [comments]
I am 46. Intelligent, but far too dumb to do anything with it in high school when I would have qualified for full free rides to college if I'd put any effort into it. They called it gifted and put me in special & advanced classes. I outscored the valedictorian on the advanced grammar final without studying. This is relevant; I swear. I just want to lay out what I'm capable of despite the path I put myself on due to early poor decisions.
Graduated at 17 despite no effort (I started school early; back then you could do that if the kid tested high enough), working full time right away in food service. Got pregnant at 18, got a job at the bank. Started as teller and ended as the Vault Manager. Over the next few years, I did switchboard for a large construction company and Club Secretary for one of the local country clubs. Turns out I thrive in support roles. I'm a people pleaser.
Still in my early 20s, I was a legal secretary for eight years specializing in everything but criminal and domestic. I can do transcription, correspondence, and manage calendars. I can create pleadings, estate planning documents, rental and purchase agreements, corporate filings and even some PI work. Mostly my dictation for creation of documents went like, "We need a will. Use the Smith's as an example. Each other's PRs, then the daughter. Everything to each other then the kids, per stirpes. Separate share trust with distro at 25 and 30." I cannot create a full will with all the legalese, but I can edit an existing template to fit the customer. By the end, I was reminding the atty of the provisions he was forgetting to add to some agreements.
After that, I started my Exec Asst gigs. Three years for the CEO at a healthcare facility until they eliminated my position and four years for the President of a manufacturing facility. That's when they promoted my boss, he headed back to Germany, and I got the boss from hell. He fired me for refusing to come in on my day off to work for free (not to mention the subtle fat shaming). I guess they do that in Belgium, but not here buddy. HR tried to tell him. He didn't listen. I'd not been fired before, but I was mad and took the free vacation.
After unemployment and my little settlement, I took a small job as a receptionist seven years go because Exec Asst jobs are not a dime a dozen in this Midwest region and I didn't want to waste all of my savings being lazy. I tried to leave within a few months because I did find something better that still had quite a commute, but my employer had issues in the past filling this role so they threw a bunch of money at me to get me to stay. I've been answering a busy phone on top of other tasks I was assigned once they realized that I could do more than answer a phone, but still got exec asst pay. Only recently were they able to find another receptionist so I could focus all my time on being the boss' asst. I guess four lines lighting up at once isn't something everyone can handle.
I have a lot of down time while on the job, in office. I can't do remote for them because most of my job is harassing my boss to do his (the joke is he pays extra for the harassment), and another physical job is impossible because the commute is just over forty-five minutes each way. I have an eleven hour day. I'm physically driving for an hour and a half, I'm lunching for an hour, but I'm only actually working about 2-3 hours on some days while I'm here. I do like it, especially the people and my boss(es) are great. It's not overly challenging unless you count flighty customers who can't seem to decide what day they want my tech to fly there for service, and I don't have to take stress home. Kids are grown, so I only need to be in the room with the spouse for "quality time" once I get home at 6pm.
I'm proficient in all Microsoft Office programs, Google office programs, I've learned some user-unfriendly management software over the years like SAP and Prophet 21. It's been awhile since I've done much Adobe, but I can get through it and make some damned good looking business cards. I book travel and coordinate meetings, I plan events, I create flyers (Canva for this because I'm not that creative), etc. Basically, lots of support tasks and I just figure out what I don't already know. That's what Google's for, right?
I've not done any social media management nor QuickBooks, but I think learning one of those might put me in the direction I need...maybe? Seems like those might be things that would make finding remote work easier, but I'm only speculating. I want to ask you all, but that seems rude...and time consuming.
I need something either sporadic enough or with enough deadline leeway I could do it on my down time or even a tad after I get home in the evening if I couldn't get to it during the day. I was thinking Virtual Asst, but that market seems flooded with people from overseas willing to work for nothing. I can do cheap tasks, but I can't work for $5/hour. Maybe reach out to some law offices for spill over dictation? I did do that over my unwanted sabbatical through a service. I think I'm going to have to learn to market myself, maybe. I do still have a foot pedal.
Does this sound familiar to anyone? Do you have advice for me on how to get started? Do you have a suggestion for what I could pull off based on what you read about me? Do you have suggestions on things I need to do/learn before I even attempt something?
Any knowledge you wish to bless me with would be greatly appreciated.
2024.05.16 07:53 ginballs Metrobank card delivery experience 2024
 | Hi everyone, would like to share my personal experience with my card delivery. Some details below: submitted by ginballs to PHCreditCards [link] [comments] Delivery type: card replacement (renewal) Assigned courier: Entrego Location: Metro Manila Card: Femme Visa Signature Account holder: Yes with a savings account My card expired a month ago and prior to it I have been receiving updates from Metrobank kn a replacement card for delivery. First issue: the original card for delivery had some error which meant Metrobank retracting the delivery schedule for a new card Second issue: with the Card replaced, I started receiving templated SMS every weekday morning this May from Entrego that my package is for delivery. Only to get a “sorry we couldnt deliver” at around lunch time. I started getting frustrated because its to be delivered at home, with my parents on standby with letter authorization and my government IDs on hand. It disrupted our schedule as well. I didn’t want the overall hassle involved if we missed the delivery (ie. calls, follow ups). In addition to the grievance calls with Metrobank and their canned responses I also emailed DICT, DTI and BSP reporting both Metrobank and Entrego for their poor customer service. Metrobank informed me i have until 14 May to wait for their 7-10 day delivery period. I doubted it especially since I anticipated they’ll just re-direct Entrego to deliver it again. 16 May: our house received the package through a new courier Pilipinas Messerve Inc. Insights: Honestly not sure if the bank fast tracked it because I have been calling them several times to complain and filed grievances. But there’s also the possibility that they are shifting their courier service from Entrego to other companies like Messerve. Overall, not a fun experience for everyone. Metrobank should be more proactive addressing these issues. There is that assumption if wala akong pakialam with the delivery hahayaan lang din nila yung package ma deliver at their own pace. |
2024.05.10 23:00 pohlarbearpants Some encouragement to the teachers who are not renewing
As the school year winds down, I've seen a lot of posts on several teaching subreddits that essentially have the same sentiment: teachers don't want to renew their contract next year, but aren't sure if it's the right move. While the only person who can truly decide what is right for you is yourself, I just want to share my own personal experience in leaving teaching.
1. How did I quit? I started by calling my union and asking about the contract requirements for quitting. I cannot stress this step enough. Many teachers are afraid of repurcussions like license suspension or even being sued by their school. If you don't have a union, call your HR department and ask them. Follow the steps needed. For me, I had to give a two-weeks notice to my HR department in writing.
2. How did I break it to my admin/team? While ultimately you owe these people nothing (except of course where otherwise required), I did try to leave as few bridges burned as possible. I quit in October, which I knew was putting the team in a rough position, and felt I at least owed it to them to let them know. I sent an email to my admin and team members simply stating that I was resigning, my last day that I'd be working, and assurance that I would continue to do what was needed of me up until that last day.
3. How did I transition to a new job? For a few months, I didn't. I had a decent amount of savings and decided I would take the job hunt seriously after the holidays. I spent October finishing my masters, then November and December traveling, enjoying the company of my friends and family, and reconnecting with my hobbies. I applied to jobs during that time but allowed myself to not feel pressured to find something quickly. I wanted to be sure that the next job I took would be an okay, if not perfect, fit.
Come the new year, I really locked in. I made it my full-time job to job hunt. I'd brew a pot of coffee and apply to various postings for about 6 hours a day. For every single job, I tweaked my resume to include key words from the job post. I had a cover letter template that I could change as needed, too. I did not use AI to write my resume or my cover letter because I had noticed some repeat phrases in writing that totally gave away an AI authorship, and I thought job recruiters would eventually learn to see them, too.
By March, I had a job.
4. What job did I end up getting? I did not say yes to the first job that was offered to me. Like many former teachers, I applied to many curriculum writing and/or instructional support roles, and did turn two down, one because I didn't think the company was a good fit and the other because I didn't think I'd like the day-to-day duties of the job.
When I did accept a job offer, it was to work as the director of a tutoring franchise. Throughout the entire interview process I was treated with respect by the owner of the franchise and felt that the duties and responsibilities would mesh well with my personality. I still get to work with kids sometimes, but I also get to have experience on the business side.
5. Did I take a pay cut? I did take a slight pay cut. However, I earn a bonus that puts me pretty close to what I made as a teacher, and there's no ceiling. So instead of stressing year-to-year over whether or not my gutted union would secure a 1.5% pay raise that in effect means I would make less each year, I can now make more money as I continue to be successful. No benefits, though. I am not married nor do I have children, and I'm in fairly good health, so I pay for insurance out of pocket at a rate that's only $50 more than what was taken out of my paycheck as a teacher. I maintain a private retirement savings account. I'll never see any of the state pension I paid into while I was teaching, but I'll be honest, I think by the time I would had retired I never would've seen any of that money anyway with the way they keep cutting benefits.
6. Are other jobs really that much better than teaching? I'm sure there are plenty of shitty jobs out there, but there are also a lot that are amazing. Even with my pay cut, I love my new job. I am never micromanaged and my success is not dependent on factors outside of my control. I get an uninterrupted lunch, I use the bathroom as much as I want, and I am treated like the adult I am. I'm never overstimulated the way I was while teaching. Never underestimate how valuable quiet work time can be.
7. Do I miss the time off? Hell no. Let's be real; those breaks were never "time off." They were mercy recovery periods. Spending 10 months of the year waiting for the breaks only to sleep through them in the first half and dread going back in the second half is not a break at all. I genuinely enjoy my current job and therefore don't get the Sunday/September scaries anymore.
8. Do I miss teaching? There are moments where I miss that special relationship I had with the kids, yes. In my short time as a teacher, I know that I was that teacher for a lot of kids, the one they'll never forget. A few still email me occassionally. But now that I'm out of the woods and not dealing with any negative experiences, it makes me appreciate the positive ones I had more. Even though I won't have those kinds of experiences again, it doesn't change the ones I've already had. I do miss having an excuse to rap along to StoryBots, though.
9. What are some benefits of quitting that people don't often talk about? Your health will improve, and I don't just mean your mental health. My sleep schedule is now regular, my hair is healthy and shiny, my skin is clear, and I Iost 10 lbs. I don't get hit with as many colds, either. My social life is also a lot more stable.
10. Any other advice? Just remember that if you quit teaching and do end up regretting it, you can always go back. You may have to wait a year depending on your district's rules, but we all know there will always be openings once that waiting period is up.
I know my experience may be irrelevant to most, but I hope this helps even one teacher who may be on the fence. I'm happy to answer any questions.
submitted by pohlarbearpants to TeachersInTransition [link] [comments]
1. How did I quit? I started by calling my union and asking about the contract requirements for quitting. I cannot stress this step enough. Many teachers are afraid of repurcussions like license suspension or even being sued by their school. If you don't have a union, call your HR department and ask them. Follow the steps needed. For me, I had to give a two-weeks notice to my HR department in writing.
2. How did I break it to my admin/team? While ultimately you owe these people nothing (except of course where otherwise required), I did try to leave as few bridges burned as possible. I quit in October, which I knew was putting the team in a rough position, and felt I at least owed it to them to let them know. I sent an email to my admin and team members simply stating that I was resigning, my last day that I'd be working, and assurance that I would continue to do what was needed of me up until that last day.
3. How did I transition to a new job? For a few months, I didn't. I had a decent amount of savings and decided I would take the job hunt seriously after the holidays. I spent October finishing my masters, then November and December traveling, enjoying the company of my friends and family, and reconnecting with my hobbies. I applied to jobs during that time but allowed myself to not feel pressured to find something quickly. I wanted to be sure that the next job I took would be an okay, if not perfect, fit.
Come the new year, I really locked in. I made it my full-time job to job hunt. I'd brew a pot of coffee and apply to various postings for about 6 hours a day. For every single job, I tweaked my resume to include key words from the job post. I had a cover letter template that I could change as needed, too. I did not use AI to write my resume or my cover letter because I had noticed some repeat phrases in writing that totally gave away an AI authorship, and I thought job recruiters would eventually learn to see them, too.
By March, I had a job.
4. What job did I end up getting? I did not say yes to the first job that was offered to me. Like many former teachers, I applied to many curriculum writing and/or instructional support roles, and did turn two down, one because I didn't think the company was a good fit and the other because I didn't think I'd like the day-to-day duties of the job.
When I did accept a job offer, it was to work as the director of a tutoring franchise. Throughout the entire interview process I was treated with respect by the owner of the franchise and felt that the duties and responsibilities would mesh well with my personality. I still get to work with kids sometimes, but I also get to have experience on the business side.
5. Did I take a pay cut? I did take a slight pay cut. However, I earn a bonus that puts me pretty close to what I made as a teacher, and there's no ceiling. So instead of stressing year-to-year over whether or not my gutted union would secure a 1.5% pay raise that in effect means I would make less each year, I can now make more money as I continue to be successful. No benefits, though. I am not married nor do I have children, and I'm in fairly good health, so I pay for insurance out of pocket at a rate that's only $50 more than what was taken out of my paycheck as a teacher. I maintain a private retirement savings account. I'll never see any of the state pension I paid into while I was teaching, but I'll be honest, I think by the time I would had retired I never would've seen any of that money anyway with the way they keep cutting benefits.
6. Are other jobs really that much better than teaching? I'm sure there are plenty of shitty jobs out there, but there are also a lot that are amazing. Even with my pay cut, I love my new job. I am never micromanaged and my success is not dependent on factors outside of my control. I get an uninterrupted lunch, I use the bathroom as much as I want, and I am treated like the adult I am. I'm never overstimulated the way I was while teaching. Never underestimate how valuable quiet work time can be.
7. Do I miss the time off? Hell no. Let's be real; those breaks were never "time off." They were mercy recovery periods. Spending 10 months of the year waiting for the breaks only to sleep through them in the first half and dread going back in the second half is not a break at all. I genuinely enjoy my current job and therefore don't get the Sunday/September scaries anymore.
8. Do I miss teaching? There are moments where I miss that special relationship I had with the kids, yes. In my short time as a teacher, I know that I was that teacher for a lot of kids, the one they'll never forget. A few still email me occassionally. But now that I'm out of the woods and not dealing with any negative experiences, it makes me appreciate the positive ones I had more. Even though I won't have those kinds of experiences again, it doesn't change the ones I've already had. I do miss having an excuse to rap along to StoryBots, though.
9. What are some benefits of quitting that people don't often talk about? Your health will improve, and I don't just mean your mental health. My sleep schedule is now regular, my hair is healthy and shiny, my skin is clear, and I Iost 10 lbs. I don't get hit with as many colds, either. My social life is also a lot more stable.
10. Any other advice? Just remember that if you quit teaching and do end up regretting it, you can always go back. You may have to wait a year depending on your district's rules, but we all know there will always be openings once that waiting period is up.
I know my experience may be irrelevant to most, but I hope this helps even one teacher who may be on the fence. I'm happy to answer any questions.
2024.05.09 19:43 Pratibha_X A note AI to organize shit. GPT-4 powered noting and searching
We build an AI --AirNotes-- to scratch our own itches. - disorganized - ununderstandable even by my self - unfindable
It is an AI-powered personal database. Search airnotesbot on Telegram. Natrual language input, formatted output, cutomized search and analysis
One of our current best practices is the "calorie" template!
input : [food picture] + a few words of description "lunch"
output: - calorie estimation: 650 kcal - carb: 50 g - protein: 10 g - fat: 10 g
Calorie template is one of our preset templates. Come and have a try! https://airnot.es
submitted by Pratibha_X to betatests [link] [comments]
It is an AI-powered personal database. Search airnotesbot on Telegram. Natrual language input, formatted output, cutomized search and analysis
One of our current best practices is the "calorie" template!
input : [food picture] + a few words of description "lunch"
output: - calorie estimation: 650 kcal - carb: 50 g - protein: 10 g - fat: 10 g
Calorie template is one of our preset templates. Come and have a try! https://airnot.es
2024.05.08 11:28 billx940 Restaurant staff sales targets
Hey all,
I’m looking for a restaurant staff sales target template. I want to give the team daily sales targets based on my forecast, lunch or dinner service and the amount of staff working. My goal is to increase sales by having a percentage multiplier on the sheet so in return I can give them cash bonuses as there will be an increase in revenue 😁
If there’s no template, anyone feel like helping I’m struggling a bit on this one.
Thanks in advanced!!!
submitted by billx940 to excel [link] [comments]
I’m looking for a restaurant staff sales target template. I want to give the team daily sales targets based on my forecast, lunch or dinner service and the amount of staff working. My goal is to increase sales by having a percentage multiplier on the sheet so in return I can give them cash bonuses as there will be an increase in revenue 😁
If there’s no template, anyone feel like helping I’m struggling a bit on this one.
Thanks in advanced!!!
2024.05.05 07:34 Davess_World2019 HNN: Hagwon News Network April 2024
 | You can go to the search bar and read: HNN: Hagwon News Network Preface before you review this batch from Tokyo Jon's. submitted by Davess_World2019 to HagwonBlacklistKorea [link] [comments] Has anybody started to catch on yet that complaint after complaint after complaint, year after year keeps rolling on by that there MAY BE something wrong with this entire genre? I mean, part of being perceptive involves noticing PATTERNS. Police detectives cut through the learning curve by remembering patterns that lead to short-cuts in understanding--wisdom. I'm still in disbelief that people keep asking "Is THIS branch safe?" Or "Where are the good hagwons, and which are the honest recruiters?" The answer will be the same for the next 1000 years, there are no good hagwons, safe branches, or honest recruiters. . Rira Anglia Language Academy (Cheongju) Apr 14. 2024Management is very unorganized. They do not speak English well enough to give instructions let alone listen to your needs. They disregard your input and needs most of the time. Don't expect to get your salary on time or expect to get your severance. The school is facing many legal issues.--All the classic signs of arrogance. "I'm WAY up here, God-emperor of this realm, and you peasants won't be giving ME input on anything. And if you do, I and my loyal flying monkeys will follow you around all day and give you -ahem- 'input,' -see how you like it." --A common pattern: Not paid on-time. Again, you forget to pay me, I forget to work. Go get a loan and make sure that the people who are making you money get paid on time, otherwise, a disruption in the flow of income disrupts everyone. I am MORE THAN CERTAIN, these owners don't "do without." Are they tightening their belt to make sure the staff receives their benefits? I doubt it. They are living well, probably beyond their means, meanwhile everyone else gets shorted. Can you imagine a farmer going out and telling his plow horse that it has to pull a full 8 hours but there is no hay, grain, or water to feed it that day? Would not the farmer eat less, sell off extra assets to ensure the horse is always fed, lest it dies and that season's harvest does not produce food for an entire year? The owner is the one who sacrifices the most to ensure the continuation of his assets. https://preview.redd.it/rwiureobnjyc1.jpg?width=359&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=67b57ec1726038ddff0d996dcfdc1781bbcb5546 If a hagwon is "short" that month, that means they did not save enough money as a buffer against such vices. They are living month-to-month based on when the parents pay the tuition. People also invest, go into temporary debt, assuming that eventually the deposits will be greater than the withdrawals. Some how, some way, these unorganized buffoons who can't plan even 5 minutes ahead of time either didn't save extra or miscalculated how much it costs to run a hagwon. Of course they are not going to pay severance, they can't even make payroll.
Dongjak SLP Apr 14. 2024You will be overworked, disrespected, have unnecessary drama, plus other things I cannot legally talk about. The* micromanaging is crazy, nothing works as it should, it’s unorganized, this job caused me so much stress and anxiety. ...the way it is being run makes no sense, it’s as if they want it to fail.--This is the pattern I'm talking about. It is amazing how poorly Hagwonites treat their foreign staff, and still expect A+ output. You beat your plow horse, it's going to turn on you. What fool would abuse the tool that enables them to eat and live? --I've said this countless times before, the owner and staff of these places are wretchedly petty and childish. Micromanaging to make it look like they are on top of their game, while they have no educational credentials, have ridiculous curriculum, wrong everything, yet they have the arrogance to zero in on things that make no difference at all. It's like working at a landfill and the boss swings by and tells you that he found a few cardboard boxes in the wrong area. It's a LANDFILL, and you are worried about separating garbage? --"Nothing works as it should." Yes, it's like imagining what one of the circles of Hell would feel like. Pointless tasks that can never be done and have no purpose to be done. Overseen by a demon who demands perfection, so that it can all be pushed into a volcano and you can start again doing the same things. Oh and it has to be done in 1 week for no logical reason because there is no time markers in Hell, it's eternity, why the hurry only to push it into a volcano anyway? Doesn't matter, just do it and stop complaining, finding fault and questioning authority! Circles of Hell There are a bunch of SLP results using the search bar. iya schola/ hillside collegiate wiyre Apr 14. 2024The pay is on time but you will not receive a paystub unless you request one each pay day.--Stop right there! Another pattern in which no one's spider senses go off? Article 48 of the Korean Labor Standards Act says IN THE LAW, that a pay ledger must be issued. Right there, 100% they have or are planning to do you dirty. If you can't see the math, they want to hide it for a good reason for as long as possible. They WANT you to feel awkward asking for it. They are trying to hide something, and of course they will give you the side-eye, slap it on the table (disrespect in Korea), and give you STRONG indications that they disapprove of you not trusting them. They expect you to not challenge anything that you find since they have prepped you with non-verbal warnings they don't like you challenging them. As with all contracts, you are given the low-ball workload so that you don't reject it. Their reward to themselves is to double it after your arrival and after a period of time so that you don't notice it. Their other reward is to steal your money on the back end. Work you beyond what the pay specifies, then steal your pay on top of it. It is important to check your paystub each time because of unexpected deductions or frequently changing the agreed upon base pay.--See? What did I tell you. "Unexpected deductions." They know you are not going to be happy about it and would very much prefer you didn't know they were stealing from you in the first place. "Changing" the amount of money you both agreed upon is theft. This is what I'm talking about. The entire carnival tent is set up to steal your money and overwork you. They put tables, books, white boards around the victim so it doesn't look like a street mugging. You don’t get a full hour lunch. 20 minutes of your lunch will be used to do homework with the children in the classroom.--Read the rest of it over at Tokyo Jon's. It's the Wikipedia template to understand how terrible hagwons are, all boxes are checked, and the pattern for SLP is not recent. It's called the Slave Labor Program for a reason, and there are multiple entries via the search bar. Splitting up your lunch period feeding, monitoring, doing other activities with children is time and salary theft. They make you work more for your agreed upon base pay and squeeze more juice out of you w/o compensation.
Repeat Activity is a Sign of a Mental DisorderNo hate, but you should have accessed and researched any of the versions of the DSM for a college report. One of the many criteria to be on the spectrum is the inability to learn and adjust to failure. It could be someone washing their hands 50x a day and not adjusting to cracked skin and infections. A gambler who lost everything, is in debt, a petty thief who always thinks they can recover what they lost. Almost all of the cases involve the intensity of the problem and the duration of it. The order of operations in education are:
⏺ They did not collect and save curriculum for whatever reason, they let the departing teacher leave with it, didn't ask or pay for it. ⏺ They allow the incoming teacher to work extra when they don't need to. Curriculum is to be constantly revised, and that could take YEARS to make it absolutely perfect. Idiocy and disrespect to the foreigners to make them do work that is totally unnecessary. The time could be spent improving lesson plans, increasing the success of everyone, not wasting time with mediocre materials foreigners didn't have time to perfect. Any place that has LOTS OF PREP TIME is no benefit to you. Once again, the pattern turns out to be that they threw all the lesson plans away from the departing teacher (stupid!) and force the incoming teacher to start completely from scratch, keeping them constantly busy when they don't need to be. Is this stupid or evil? Do they purposefully get rid of established curriculum for the sole purpose of watching the new teacher frantically devise the same results over a 12 month period? Sounds like the same circle of Hell I mentioned earlier. Throw the curriculum into the volcano, and HURRY UP AND MAKE THE SAME STUFF AGAIN, LET'S GO! https://preview.redd.it/sgsjoht4njyc1.jpg?width=1101&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=3d5dff6ac462dbadaee979e2597e76e0f2718256 |
2024.05.04 20:22 Chamara8322 How to Earn Money Online Without Investment in 5 Ways
Introduction: Earn Money Online Without Investment
The Dream of Earning Online
Have you ever dreamt of making money without leaving your home? Maybe you’ve pictured yourself working from your favourite coffee shop or a cosy corner of your living room. You could be a student needing extra cash, a stay-at-home parent looking to contribute to the family budget, or just someone interested in diversifying your income. Well, you’re not alone. The idea of earning money online has captivated the imagination of people everywhere.Why It’s Popular
And it’s no surprise. The internet has opened doors that didn’t exist a couple of decades ago. Today, you can make money online in so many ways it’s almost overwhelming. The flexibility is a huge plus—you can set your hours, work from anywhere, and even balance a regular job with online gigs on the side. It’s like having a digital toolbox complete with opportunities, each with its unique benefits.What to Expect from This Guide
But let’s get real: there’s a lot of noise out there. You might’ve seen those ads promising you’ll get rich quickly or make thousands of dollars with zero effort. Spoiler alert: those are usually scams. The truth is that earning money online takes time, effort, and a bit of know-how. The good news is that’s exactly what we’re here to talk about.In this guide, we’re going to explore legitimate ways to earn money online without needing to invest a dime. Whether you’re into freelancing, content creation, or other creative ventures, we’ve got you covered. We’ll also share tips to help you avoid scams and make the most of the opportunities you find.
Ready to Dive In?
So, if you’re ready to start your online earning journey, grab a cup of coffee (or your beverage of choice), and let’s get started. By the end of this guide, you’ll have a clear understanding of the various paths you can take to make money online without any upfront investment. Let’s jump in!Section 1: Understanding the Basics of Earn Money Online
Clearing Up Misconceptions
When you think about earning money online, you might picture something like those cheesy ads that promise you’ll make thousands of dollars just by clicking a few buttons. If only it were that easy! Here’s the truth: while there are tons of legit ways to make money online, there’s also a lot of hype, scams, and get-rich-quick schemes to watch out for. It’s essential to approach the online world with a healthy dose of skepticism and do your homework before diving in.Avoiding Scams and Pitfalls
So, how do you avoid the traps? First, remember that if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Be wary of sites or people that ask for your personal information or upfront fees. Legitimate opportunities shouldn’t require you to pay money to get started.Another thing to watch out for is promises of easy money. Sure, you can earn money online, but it takes time and effort, just like any other job. If someone says you can make a fortune with minimal work, they’re likely not being upfront with you. Stick with reputable platforms and do your research on companies and websites before committing.
Skills You’ll Need
The good news is that you don’t need to be a tech wizard to start earning money online. But a few basic skills can make a big difference:- Digital Literacy: Knowing your way around a computer, essential software, and the internet is vital. If you can browse websites, send emails, and work with documents, you’re off to a good start.
- Communication Skills: Whether you’re freelancing, working in customer service, or creating content, you’ll need to communicate effectively. This includes writing clearly, responding to messages promptly, and being professional in your interactions.
- Self-Motivation: Unlike a traditional job with a boss hovering over your shoulder, working online means you’re in charge. You’ll need to stay organized, set your schedule, and stick to it.
Building a Solid Foundation
So, before you start looking for online earning opportunities, take a moment to assess your skills and make sure you’re ready for the journey ahead. If there’s an area where you need to improve, there are tons of free resources online to help you level up. And remember, the most critical skill of all is the ability to learn and adapt. The online world is constantly changing, so being open to new ideas and willing to learn will help you stay ahead of the curve.Next Steps
With these basics in mind, you’re ready to explore the many ways to earn money online without investment. In the following sections, we’ll cover a variety of opportunities, from freelancing and content creation to surveys and microtasks. Each has its pros and cons, so feel free to try a few and see what works best for you.Ready to dive deeper? Let’s move on to the next section, where we’ll explore some of the most popular online jobs and gigs that you can start without spending a cent.
Section 2: Exploring Online Jobs and Gigs
The World of Freelancing
Freelancing is like the Wild West of the online earning world. There’s a ton of opportunity, but you’ve got to know where to look. The basic idea is simple: you offer your skills to clients, complete a project, and get paid for your work. The best part? You set your schedule and choose the projects that interest you.Let’s talk about where you can find these gigs. Platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer are popular choices. They connect freelancers with clients who need various services—anything from writing and graphic design to programming and digital marketing. To get started, you’ll need to create a profile that showcases your skills and experience. Don’t worry if you’re new; everyone starts somewhere. Focus on building a solid profile and be proactive about applying for gigs.
Tips for Success in Freelancing
Here are some quick tips to help you succeed in freelancing:- Be Professional: Clients are looking for people they can trust. Keep your communications clear, polite, and professional.
- Build a Portfolio: Even if you’re starting, you can create samples of your work to show clients what you’re capable of. This is especially important for fields like design and writing.
- Start Small: Don’t be afraid to take on smaller gigs to build experience and get some reviews. As you gain more experience, you can go after more significant projects.
Remote Customer Service
If you enjoy helping people and have a knack for problem-solving, remote customer service could be a great fit. Companies often hire virtual agents to handle customer inquiries, support, and even sales. The work is usually flexible, and you can frequently choose your hours.Websites like Remote. Co and FlexJobs are good places to find remote customer service positions. The requirements vary, but you’ll typically need a computer, a reliable internet connection, and good communication skills. Some companies require a quiet workspace, so keep that in mind if you’ve got a noisy household.
The Perks of Remote Work
Remote customer service has a lot of perks. You can work from anywhere, there’s usually some training involved, and it can be a steady source of income. Plus, it’s a great way to get experience working in a virtual environment, which can open doors to other online opportunities down the road.Other Popular Online Jobs
While freelancing and remote customer service are popular options, they’re not the only ways to earn money online without investment. Here are a few other gigs to consider:- Virtual Assistance: Virtual assistants (VAs) help clients with tasks like scheduling, email management, and social media. It’s a varied role that requires good organizational skills.
- Data Entry: If you have an eye for detail, data entry could be a good fit. Companies often need people to input information into databases or spreadsheets.
- Transcription: This involves converting audio recordings into text. It’s a good option if you’re a fast and accurate typist.
Ready to explore more? In the next section, we’ll dive into content creation and monetization. If you’ve ever dreamed of starting a blog, YouTube channel, or podcast, you’re in for a treat!
Section 3: Content Creation and Monetization
The Allure of Content Creation
Creating content is one of the most exciting ways to earn money online. Think about it: you get to share your ideas, showcase your creativity, and connect with people all over the world. And if you play your cards right, you can turn that passion into a source of income. Sounds like a dream, right? Let’s explore some popular ways to make it happen.Starting a Blog
Blogging has been around for a while, but it’s still going strong. Whether you’re into food, travel, tech, or just sharing your thoughts on life, there’s an audience out there for you. The best part? You can start a blog without spending a dime. Platforms like WordPress and Blogger offer free plans, so you can get your blog up and running in no time.Here’s a quick guide to getting started:
- Find Your Niche: What do you love to talk about? What are you passionate about? Your niche should be something you enjoy and know a bit about.
- Create Quality Content: The key to a successful blog is providing value to your readers. Share your experiences, give tips, and write in a way that resonates with your audience.
- Monetize Your Blog: Once you have a steady flow of content and some readers, you can start thinking about monetization. The most common methods are ad revenue (using Google AdSense), sponsored content (working with brands), and affiliate marketing (promoting products and earning a commission).
Making Videos on YouTube
YouTube is a powerhouse when it comes to content creation. From gaming and beauty tutorials to cooking and tech reviews, there’s a channel for everything. If you enjoy being on camera or creating video content, YouTube could be your ticket to online income.Here’s what you need to know to get started:
- Choose Your Content Style: What type of videos do you want to make? Vlogs, tutorials, reviews? Find a style that suits you.
- Build Your Channel: Create a YouTube channel and start uploading videos. Don’t worry if you’re not a pro—everyone starts somewhere. Focus on improving your content with each video.
- Monetize with YouTube: YouTube’s Partner Program allows you to earn money through ads. To qualify, you’ll need at least 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 watch hours in the past year. Beyond ads, you can also earn through sponsorships, merchandise, and even viewer donations (like Super Chat during live streams).
Launching a Podcast
If you have a passion for storytelling or enjoy having meaningful conversations, podcasting could be your thing. All you need is a decent microphone, recording software, and some interesting topics to discuss. Platforms like Anchor make it easy to start a podcast for free and distribute it to major platforms like Apple Podcasts and Spotify.Here’s how to kick off your podcasting journey:
- Find Your Voice: What do you want to talk about? Your podcast should have a unique angle or perspective to stand out.
- Record and Edit: Start with a simple setup. You don’t need fancy equipment at first—focus on delivering great content. You can always upgrade later.
- Monetize Your Podcast: Once you build an audience, you can monetize through sponsorships, listener donations (like Patreon), or even selling merchandise related to your podcast.
Tips for Success in Content Creation
Creating content is fun, but it also requires consistency and patience. Here are a few tips to help you succeed:- Be Consistent: Whether you’re blogging, making videos, or podcasting, consistency is critical. Stick to a schedule so your audience knows when to expect new content.
- Engage with Your Audience: Respond to comments, ask for feedback, and build a community around your content. This helps you create a loyal following.
- Keep Learning: Content creation is constantly evolving. Stay up-to-date with trends, experiment with new ideas, and never stop learning.
Section 4: Navigating Online Marketplaces and Sales
The World of Online Marketplaces
Online marketplaces are like virtual bazaars where you can sell just about anything, from handmade crafts to digital products. If you’re someone who loves creating or has a knack for business, this is your playground. The best part? You don’t need a significant investment to get started—just a bit of creativity and some hustle.Selling Handmade Goods
Have you got a crafty side? Then you’ll love Etsy. This platform is the go-to place for handmade and unique items. Whether it’s jewellery, home decor, custom clothing, or artwork, there’s a market for it on Etsy. To get started, you need to set up a shop, list your products, and you’re in business.Here are some tips for success on Etsy:
- Quality Photos Are Key: Since buyers can’t touch or see your items in person, great photos are crucial. Make sure your pictures are clear and well-lit, and show off your products from different angles.
- Write Compelling Descriptions: Describe your products in a way that highlights their unique features. Include measurements, materials used, and any other details that might help buyers make a decision.
- Engage with Customers: Be responsive to messages and reviews. Good customer service can lead to repeat business and positive word-of-mouth.
Print-on-Demand Services
If you’re more interested in creating designs than making physical products, print-on-demand is for you. Platforms like Redbubble and Teespring let you create designs for t-shirts, mugs, phone cases, and more. You upload your designs and choose which products to sell, and the platform handles the printing, packaging, and shipping. You earn a commission on each sale.Here’s what you need to know about print-on-demand:
- Create Eye-Catching Designs: Think about what people would love to wear or use. You don’t need to be a professional designer, but having a unique style helps.
- Promote Your Products: Use social media to showcase your designs and drive traffic to your shop. The more visibility you get, the more chances you have of making sales.
- Experiment with Different Products: Feel free to try different types of merchandise. Sometimes, a design that doesn’t work on a t-shirt might be a hit on a mug or phone case.
Selling Digital Products and Courses
Digital products are another fantastic way to earn money online. You can create and sell things like ebooks, templates, graphics, or even online courses. The beauty of digital products is that once you make them, you can sell them repeatedly without any additional cost.Here are some ideas for digital products you can create:
- Ebooks: If you’re knowledgeable about a specific topic or have a story to tell, consider writing an ebook. Platforms like Gumroad and Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing make it easy to publish and sell your work.
- Online Courses: Have a skill you’d like to teach? Creating an online course can be a great way to share your expertise and earn money. Platforms like Teachable and Udemy offer tools to make and sell courses.
- Templates and Graphics: If you’re into design, you can create templates for things like presentations, resumes, or social media graphics. These are in high demand, and platforms like Creative Market allow you to reach a global audience.
Making the Most of Online Marketplaces
No matter which online marketplace you choose, the key to success is finding a niche and providing value to your customers. Here are some additional tips to help you thrive:- Keep Your Shop Updated: Regularly add new products and keep your listings fresh. This keeps customers coming back to see what’s new.
- Encourage Reviews: Positive reviews can boost your shop’s reputation. Encourage satisfied customers to leave reviews and use their feedback to improve your products.
- Stay Organized: Selling online can get busy. Use tools to track orders, manage inventory, and keep your business running smoothly.
Section 5: Earning Through Surveys and Microtasks
A Quick and Easy Way to Make Extra Cash
Surveys and microtasks might be right up your alley if you’re looking for a straightforward way to earn money online without much commitment. You can do These simple tasks in your spare time without any special skills or long-term contracts. You won’t get rich from these, but they can be a fun way to earn extra cash for your coffee habit or those late-night online shopping sprees.Getting Paid for Your Opinions: Online Surveys
Online surveys are what they sound like: companies pay you to share your opinions. They use your feedback to improve their products or services, and in return, you get rewarded. It’s a win-win! Sites like Swagbucks, Survey Junkie, and Pinecone Research are among the most popular platforms for online surveys.Here’s how to get started with online surveys:
- Sign Up for Multiple Sites: Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. Sign up for a few different survey sites to increase your chances of getting more surveys.
- Be Honest and Consistent: Survey companies value genuine responses. Be honest with your answers and consistent in your profile information.
- Cash Out When You Can: Most survey sites have a minimum threshold for cashing out. Once you reach it, don’t wait—redeem your points or cash right away.
The World of Microtasks
Microtasks are another way to make money online without investment. You can quickly complete small tasks, like data entry, transcription, or categorizing images. Platforms like Amazon Mechanical Turk and Clickworker offer a wide range of microtasks you can do from the comfort of your home.Here are some tips for working with microtask platforms:
- Focus on Speed and Accuracy: Since these tasks are small, completing them quickly but accurately is essential. The faster you work, the more you can earn.
- Choose Tasks You Enjoy: A variety of tasks are available, so find the ones that you find interesting or enjoyable. This will make the work feel less like a chore.
- Be Consistent: Just like with surveys, consistency is critical. Try to dedicate some time each day to complete a few microtasks, and your earnings will add up over time.
Maximizing Your Earnings
While surveys and microtasks won’t replace a full-time income, there are ways to maximize your earnings. Here are a few strategies to consider:- Set a Schedule: Dedicate a specific time each day to complete surveys or microtasks. This helps you stay on track and earn a steady income.
- Look for Bonus Opportunities: Some survey sites offer bonuses for completing specific tasks or reaching milestones. Keep an eye out for these opportunities.
- Join Referral Programs: Many survey sites and microtask platforms offer referral programs. By inviting friends or family to join, you can earn extra rewards.
Now that we’ve explored these quick and easy earning methods, let’s move on to the next section, where we’ll discuss other creative ways to make money online without investment. From affiliate marketing to online tutoring, there’s something for everyone!
Section 6: Other Creative Ways to Earn Money Online
Beyond the Basics: Exploring New Avenues
If you’ve made it this far, you know plenty of ways to earn money online without investment. But there’s more! In this section, we’ll dive into some other creative ways to make cash from the comfort of your home, your favourite coffee shop, or anywhere you have an internet connection.Affiliate Marketing: Earn by Recommending
Affiliate marketing is like getting paid for spreading the word about products or services you love. It works like this: you promote a product through a unique link, and you earn a commission when someone buys through that link. It’s a great way to make passive income because once your content is out there, it can generate earnings.Here’s how to get started with affiliate marketing:
- Find the Right Affiliate Programs: Choose programs that align with your interests and content. Amazon Associates is a popular option, but many others are in various niches.
- Create Content That Naturally Promotes Products: Write reviews, create “best of” lists, or share personal experiences with products. The key is authenticity—people can spot a hard sell from a mile away.
- Track Your Links and Performance: Most affiliate programs offer dashboards to track clicks and sales. Use this data to see what works and adjust your strategy as needed.
Online Tutoring: Share Your Knowledge
Online tutoring could be a perfect fit if you enjoy teaching or have expertise in a particular subject. Platforms like VIPKid and Tutor.com connect tutors with students from around the world. You can teach English to international students or tutor in subjects like math, science, or history.Here’s what you need to know about online tutoring:
- Requirements Vary: Some platforms require a degree or teaching experience, while others focus more on your knowledge and communication skills. Check the criteria before applying.
- Flexibility Is a Plus: You can often choose your hours and work from anywhere with a stable internet connection. It’s a great way to earn money on your schedule.
- Prepare for Your Lessons: Even if you’re an expert, preparation is key. Have lesson plans ready, and be patient with your students—they’re here to learn, and you’re here to help.
Virtual Assistance: Helping Others, Earning Money
Virtual assistants (VAs) are in high demand. Businesses and entrepreneurs need help with tasks like email management, scheduling, social media, and more. If you’re organized, detail-oriented, and good with people, this could be an excellent online gig.Here’s how to get started as a virtual assistant:
- Learn the Skills Needed: While you don’t need special certifications, you should be comfortable with standard office software and communication tools like Slack or Zoom.
- Find VA Opportunities: Websites like Zirtual and Belay specialize in connecting virtual assistants with clients. You can also find VA gigs on freelancing platforms like Upwork.
- Show Your Value: As a VA, you’re helping someone else run their business smoothly. Be proactive and reliable, and consistently deliver your best work. Happy clients are more likely to refer you to others.
Experiment and Find Your Path
There are so many ways to earn money online without investment, and these are just a few more examples. The key is to find what suits you best. Whether you’re into affiliate marketing, tutoring, or virtual assistance, there’s something for everyone.Take your time, explore different opportunities, and don’t be afraid to experiment. You might enjoy a combination of various online gigs. The beauty of online work is its flexibility—you can mix and match to create a setup that works for you.
In the final section, we’ll wrap things up and share some final tips for success in your online earning journey. Ready to bring it all together? Let’s go!
Conclusion: Bringing It All Together
You’ve Got the Tools—Now What?
Wow, we’ve covered a lot, haven’t we? From freelancing and content creation to online tutoring and virtual assistance, there are so many ways to earn money online without investing a dime. The trick is figuring out which path fits your skills, interests, and lifestyle.But remember, earning money online isn’t about quick fixes or overnight success stories. It takes time, effort, and a lot of learning along the way. The good news is that you don’t have to go it alone. There are communities, resources, and platforms designed to help you succeed. And that’s where you come in.
Taking the First Steps
So, where do you start? Take a deep breath, think about what excites you, and start small. If freelancing sounds appealing, create a profile on an Upwork or Fiverr platform and apply for gigs. If content creation is your thing, create a blog or YouTube channel and start sharing your passion. The important part is to take that first step.Building a Routine
One of the keys to success in the online world is consistency. Set aside time each day or week to work on your online projects. This could be writing blog posts, filming videos, completing surveys, or whatever else you’ve chosen. Building a routine will create momentum, and that’s when things happen.Don’t Be Afraid to Experiment
The first thing you try doesn’t quite click. That’s okay! The beauty of online work is that you can experiment without a huge commitment. Try a few different avenues and see what feels right. You may discover a new passion along the way.Keep Learning and Growing
The internet is constantly evolving, and new opportunities always pop up. Stay curious and open to learning. Join online communities related to your field, follow industry blogs, and watch for trends. The more you learn, the more equipped you’ll be to take advantage of new opportunities.Final Thoughts
Earning money online can be incredibly rewarding. It gives you the flexibility to work on your terms and explore your passions. Whether you want to earn a little extra cash or build a full-time online career, the possibilities are there for the taking.So go ahead, dive in, and start exploring. With the right mindset and persistence, you’ll find the path that’s perfect for you. And who knows? You might be the next success story in the world of online earning. Good luck, and happy exploring!
Originally published at https://hostfocuz.com
2024.05.03 10:12 micronesiarain Episode 4- "Black Table Talk" 🎙️🖤
 | the queens return to the workroom after the previous challenge and see the placements displayed on a large monitor submitted by micronesiarain to XtinasDragRace [link] [comments] Contessa: The prettiest ones safe, at least we did it together! 🏁 Contessa CF: Last week was the first time this season where you could say I had a bit of a slip. And shockingly, I'm at peace with it. I gave everything I had to the challenge, and that's what's important to me. And if my Season Four sisters had some nicer looks for me to work with, maybe I could've done better. Just kidding! But honestly...where were the silks and chiffons? Tiwa: I was hoping for a miracle, but I can't be mad about it when everyone brought it at the level they did. I'm really inspired to be around performers like you. 🏁 Tiwa CF: There's major imposter syndrome going on. Any good critique I get, it feels like it is going to a totally different person. But any criticism, it feels like a shot to the heart and it's all I can focus on. Unieke: This whole group is a dream to be part of. All of us...absolutely sickening. And Tiwa, I'm not about to let you forget that! Tiwa: Thank you, really. 🏁 Tiwa CF: These queens have pulled me back from the edge too many times to count at this point. I'm not someone who would ever be pressed about not winning a design challenge. But it's like my mind is reaching out to find anything bad to cling onto. gtGIRL: Congratulations to our winners, Anthyy and Zodya! Zodya: Thank you, thank you! Anthyy: Did it feel like All Stars all over again? Zodya: Maybe just a bit! gtGIRL: First one to two wins, I would tip my hat to you if I was wearing one. But for now, I shall just tip this cute little headband. 🏁 gtGIRL CF: I am dreading getting out of this look. I've never felt more at home, more authentic. The insect life is the life for me, I won't micropologize for that. Ever!! Unieke: Share the wealth! But hey, I think that makes you the frontrunner. Zodya: Does it? If I keep losing these lipsyncs, I'm not so sure about that. Unieke: I don't knowww, I think you're leading the pack! 🏁 Zodya CF: I'm trying to telepathically communicate to Unieke to stop talking about who the frontrunner is. I've never been in this position before, but I can feel more eyes on me than ever. The power is slightly delicious, but very scary at the same time. It's like a chamoy pickle in a sense. Zodya: Anthyy, how did it feel to get the win? Anthyy: Amazing!! Oop, lemme compose myself. Nope I can't, it was just amazing! Tiwa: You can finally take a deep breath now and relax. Anthyy: These fingers are all sore, but worth it for this look. 🏁 Anthyy CF: It's real cute to have fun during the challenges. But that feeling when you put your whole puss into the challenge and win, it's a diva moment! Tiwa: The level of detail just blew me away. Anthyy: They say take one thing off, but I put ten more things on and made sure it was all in the right place. The outcome felt correct! 🏁 Anthyy CF: All Stars for me was all about winning as much as possible. This time was supposed to be about letting loose, and it was going that way! And then I get a win under my belt and realize there's nothing stopping me from being the winner. It would be the perfect ending to my MDR journey, let's keep the momentum going. Contessa: Moof, you're awfully quiet. I'm not complaining, but... Moof: I'm good. Very happy for the winners, congrats girls! 🏁 Moof CF: I'm choosing to keep my mouth shut, because there are a lot of emotions going through me right now. I don't want to rain on their parade, but I do feel like it should've been me in the top over one of them. I feel like I'm being overlooked, even though I've been checking all the boxes every week. Contessa: ...okay! I almost believed it when you said that. Moof: Believe me, I'm thrilled. Some might even say overjoyed. Anthyy: Is this about the block? Moof: A very small portion of it. Anthyy: It was a gift from you to me, I had to let you share that magical feeling. Moof: Got you, I got it. 🏁 Anthyy CF: It's all over her face, Moof wanted to win this week. She'll have her moment eventually, but this was a week for the real fashion queens. Unieke: You sure you're good? Moof: Oh my god, you lot are tiring. You want an answer from me that isn't something I actually feel. What do you want me to say right now? gtGIRL: Recite the alphabet backwards. Unieke: I don't want you getting heated, I want to make sure you're all good. Moof: And like I said, I'm good. 🏁 Moof CF: I'm laser focused right now on this next challenge. I thought this would be my week to win, but all I got from it was a block. My hopes were high, and it was the worst outcome. I need to come forward as someone to be afraid of. If I could win this next challenge even though I can't get a banjo, how could you ignore that? It would show that I'm here to compete, win, and make some moves. Unieke: Emotions are high right now. Let's get out of drag and get some rest. I love you girls, let's end it there. the queens get up and get out of drag as the conversations continue Contessa: When you're ready to talk about whatever, know I'm here for you. Moof: Thank you. I wish it wasn't getting to me, but thanks for being there for me. Contessa: You pulled me from a very stressful place with this last challenge, I owe you. 🏁 Contessa CF: There are a lot of perks to having some of my close friends here. But one of the unexpected downsides has been that I'm invested in how they do here. I didn't consider myself an empath, I prefer being an ice cold bitch. But Moof and Tiwa...there's a soft spot there for sure. Zodya: I'm gonna need you to help get this target off of me. This is unfamiliar territory for me. gtGIRL: I'll do what I can to help you out. You know you have me on your side. Zodya: Is there any way I avoid a block soon? gtGIRL: Well, you could always win the challenge! Zodya: I'm so screwed. 🏁 gtGIRL CF: My competitive senses are starting to tingle. Above all else, I came here to have fun. But I see other queens clearing a path to the crown, and something needs to be done about that. I brought a sizable collection of boots with me, it's time to use them to stomp stomp stomp to the top. I'm ready to kill them. With love of course! And I'll get away with it. teehee! The Next Day the queens enter the workroom in unison and gather around the table 🏁 Unieke CF: It's a brand new day, and I may or may not have done three summoning circles earlier to try and manifest a win. Whatever it takes, we need it! Moof: I want to clear the air about last night. I was in the middle of a lot of emotions. I didn't want to discuss it, because that moment wasn't about that. Unieke: We're here for you when things like that happen. We're here together, we need to show up. Moof: Thank you, Unieke. Anthyy and Zodya, I really am happy for the two of you. Zodya: I know you are, we're all good. 🏁 Zodya CF: This group isn't necessarily one big happy family. But we seem to have reached a point where things are very cordial and peaceful. It won't last past lunch, but enjoy it while it's here! gtGIRL: Add workroom banter here. Oh, I don't think I was supposed to say that part. Ahem, let's try again! gtGIRL: What was everyones reason for coming back to compete again? Contessa: It's a bit of a pride thing, I can't lie. The first time, I had to show that I was a winner. Coming in this time, we already know. 🏁 Contessa CF: Now, half the cast on Season Four knew I was a winner from the first episode, but we move. Moof: I knew I had to come back. Not only to show off how much I've grown since Season Five, but to represent the season. People want to throw shade at Season Five, but that season was a really special moment, I need to give it some flowers. Unieke: Well, you do give flowers to something that died. Zodya: Unieke, you are a mess! Unieke: Stick with me honey, let mama teach you. 🏁 Unieke CF: Miss Zodya Killer, she got some evil in her. I will gladly take on the responsibility of letting her unleash that. Moof: Like I said, Season Five stays catching strays! the workroom door swings open and Micro walks in wearing a denim bodysuit with baggy denim boots and a slicked back ponytail Unieke: And I was just getting warmed up, the hell!? Micro: Hello, hello! If it isn't my favorite award winning designers. So far, you've shown that each of you can perform, market yourself, and put together a look worthy of a queen. For your challenge this week, we're giving the viewers a peak into the lives of their favorite queens. In two groups, you'll be working together as part of the new revealing talk show, "Black Table Talk". Unieke: Why it gotta be black? Micro: They were the cheapest at Home Depot, you know the budget we got! Unieke: I see you queen. Micro: You'll be choosing your own teams for this challenge. One group of four, and one group of three. And on the runway, category is "Work of Art"! Good luck ladies, it's time to get real! Micro leaves the workroom and the queens rush to get into groups 🏁 Moof CF: The best thing for a challenge like this is having the right dynamic on the panel. I need to find Contessa and Tiwa right away. Moof: Tiwa, Contessa...you down? Contessa: That was easy! Let's go. 🏁 Contessa CF: This team is the best option for all of us, but I'm worried about Tiwa. She's been keeping to herself lately, and this is not the challenge where you want to get quiet. Zodya rushes around the workroom to grab Anthyy and gtGIRL 🏁 Zodya CF: I've been on enough seasons to have all the right connections. Anthyy is someone who will do the work, and gtGIRL has an effortless sense of humor to keep everything moving and flowing. Zodya: What do you think about this group? gtGIRL: Yes please! Anthyy: Lemme think... 🏁 Anthyy CF: After Zodya comes over to me, I look over at Unieke and start to worry. Both groups of three came together instantly, but Unieke wasn't pulled into anything. That's my girl, and she's an asset on this team. We need her. Anthyy: Unieke needs to be with us. That bitch is sickening. Zodya: Do you think she'd be down? Anthyy: Yes ma'am! Unieke, come over here. Unieke: I'm feeling this energy. Dream team? gtGIRL: Absolutely yes please! 🏁 Unieke CF: Being on the larger team is a little intimidating, but I know I can talk for hours on end. This is what I need in order to push through. I'm getting my good shoes on and grabbing the loudest microphone, showtime! Anthyy, gtGIRL, Unieke, and Zodya sit on the couches and go over their segment 🏁 Anthyy CF: Our team for this challenge has all the right elements to bring us a win. We'll give Micro no choice but to make it a quadruple win! gtGIRL: Before we get into possible talking points, does anyone strongly want to be the moderator? Zodya: I wouldn't mind. Unieke: I don't want to be pushy about it, but I think I really need this. I have no wins, this is a spot where I could change that. 🏁 Anthyy CF: I think all of us could do great work with this role. But I have a chance here to help a friend, I know what I have to do. Anthyy: Unieke, I think this is the perfect role for you. Unieke: We good with this? Zodya: It's all yours. 🏁 Zodya CF: If I was in the moderator position, I know another win would be in reach. But Unieke wants the chance to prove herself, and I don't want to be the one pushing against that. She can have it, but this will be the only time I give up a chance like this. Unieke: Ah, I can't wait! Thanks you guys, this should be fun. Any ideas for what we should talk about? gtGIRL: I think it would be swell to discuss the power of wearing clothes that don't go past the knee. Zodya: Yeah, I don't know about that one. Anthyy: If I know Micro, I know that she'll be looking for people who are really giving emotion and honesty. And with how tense it's gotten with discussing sexuality and gender identity, maybe we tackle that? Share about our journeys and how we made it through something that can be scary. Unieke: Perfect, I'm on board! Zodya: It's something that connects all of us, even though we have our own perspectives. I think it'll be great. 🏁 gtGIRL CF: Anthyy is taking a very active role in getting all of this together. Unieke is the moderator, but I have to give props to Anthyy for making sure all the ducks are in a row. It's me, I'm one of the ducks. Unieke: And do we have any ideas for the looks we want? gtGIRL: I do- Zodya: We can't all wear a mini dress. gtGIRL: First of all, you most certainly can. And second of all, I was going to say business casual. Lady on the go...she works at an office...she drinks coffee and types on a keyboard. Unieke: That feels very specific. gtGIRL: Okay fine, she doesn't need to type on a keyboard. Zodya: But she could! gtGIRL: So true Zodya, you see the vision. Contessa, Moof, and Tiwa sit around the table to plan for the challenge 🏁 Contessa CF: With there only being three of us, I think it helps us out a ton in the challenge. The other team needs to worry about talking over people and saying everything they need to say, we have room to breathe and make sure it all works perfectly. Moof: I want to start off by saying, we got the best possible team here. We've worked together before, this is perfect for us. 🏁 Moof CF: Between the three of us, we have a solid amount of hosting experience. Contessa and I have hosted our own drag competitions, Tiwa hosts a talk show, this should be smooth sailing. Contessa: Tiwa, do you think you're up for moderating? We need to get you a banjo. Tiwa: I don't think right now is the best time for that. Moof: You good? Tiwa: I'm sorry, I need to take a moment. 🏁 Tiwa CF: Earlier today, I got some news from home that has taken all of my focus away from this competition. There are things I need to tend to, and all I can do is hope that I'm back in time to be part of this challenge. Tiwa leaves the workroom Moof: Do we think she'll come back? Contessa: Oh yeah, she wouldn't leave for good without saying goodbye. Moof: In case she doesn't come back, how do we want to plan this? Contessa: If she doesn't return, we can banter back and forth and be a proper duo. If she does come back, I can step up and moderate. Moof: Okay. If you're open to it, I also want to moderate if she returns. Contessa: Two moderators? Moof: I was thinking more about me being the only moderator. 🏁 Moof CF: I need to get back on top and win another banjo. I know Contessa feels the same way, but I really want this. And after helping her last week, she said it herself that she owes me. Contessa: I have a lot of ideas of what we could do, I think I'd keep everything in order. Moof: What are your ideas? Contessa: I sort of want to know if I'm the moderator before giving them up. Moof: Really? Contessa: ... 🏁 Contessa CF: Even in a group challenge, we're competing for one crown at the end of this. I don't want to be difficult, but I need to make sure I'm prioritizing myself. Moof: After everything last week, I would really like to moderate. But I'm not about to fight you for it. The decision is yours, just know that that's my desire. Contessa: I think I'll moderate. Moof: ...alright. 🏁 Moof CF: I didn't want to force Contessa to let me moderate. I was hoping that by making it very clear that I wanted to do it, she would do the right thing. And maybe she did for herself, but she really burned me here. gtGIRL and Zodya get ready by the mirrors as they talk about their fears for the challenge Zodya: How are you feeling about the challenge? gtGIRL: I try and be very cute and funny to avoid getting too personal, but I think this challenge could be a chance for me to open up. Zodya: I'm not about to cry with this makeup on, but your story is one that people need to hear. Accepting the idea of being queer is such a hard thing to do. But you're a success story. gtGIRL: Zodya... Zodya: No, listen to me. Your talent, the way you carry yourself, the way that people view you? It's something that inspires me. gtGIRL: Screw the makeup, this is gonna make me tear up. Thank you. 🏁 gtGIRL CF: I was starting to get in my head, and Zodya brought me back to earth. So many parts of our journeys on MDR have been connected, and I know it happened for a reason. That's my girl. gtGIRL: And I hope you know how amazing your story is too. Seeing how much you've grown since Season Six, I'm so proud of you. Zodya: That means so much coming from you. I need to fix this eye makeup and then it's time to get it done. gtGIRL: Nobody else I'd rather trauma dump with! 🏁 Zodya CF: gtGIRL and I were close on Season Six, but I was still so intimidated by her. And if you were there, you would've felt the same after that seventh win! She feels like a sister this time, I'm so glad to have her here. Tiwa returns to the workroom and rejoins her team 🏁 Tiwa CF: I'm back with the girls, and there's not much time before we have to go out and do the challenge. Real life issues tried to get in the way, all I can do now is hope that I can catch up and make sure I don't bring them down. Moof: You alright? Tiwa: Honestly...no. But I'm dedicated to this team, we're making it through today. Contessa: I know how hard this has been for you. Thank you for pulling through. 🏁 Contessa CF: Ideally, we would've had a lot more time with Tiwa to work on this. We can't change what happened, it's going to need to be a rush to get her ready for this. There are minutes until we hit the stage...minutes. Tiwa: Tell me everything, I'm gonna get a quick beat going. Moof: Moderator, go ahead. 🏁 Moof CF: You want the power, I'll let you handle this one! Contessa: 2023 is over, we're talking about it. The good, the bad, how we grew, all that. And dress like you're going to a funeral...in a very chic way. Tiwa: ...I think I got all that. 🏁 Tiwa CF: I need to go with the flow and roll with the punches. I'm winging it entirely. Black Table Talk Tiwa, Contessa, Moof (A Year in Review) Tiwa, Moof & Contessa Black Table Talk Looks Unieke, gtGIRL, Zodya, Anthyy (Releasing the Fear of Being Queer) Unieke, gtGIRL, Zodya & Anthyy Black Table Talk Looks Runway a golden glow falls upon the runway before a sharp silhouette steps into the light and reveals to be Micro strutting down the center of the stage Micro Episode 4 Look Micro: Hello my beauties, and welcome back to the runway of Micro's Drag Race: All Winners! Joining me on the judging panel tonight is a drag artist who is bewitchingly talented, Hex! Hex Guest Judging Look Micro: Hex, welcome back! Hex: Thanks for having me, it's always loads of fun. Micro: You know a few things about creating a work of art. What are you looking for in these looks? Hex: Take the inspiration and add your own twist to it. Make sure your own style shines through. Micro: And when you look that sickening, I think it's wise to take your advice! Now, you ready to get started? Hex: Let's do it! Micro: Earlier today, the queens were asked to work in two groups and put together their own panel style segment for the revealing new show, "Black Table Talk". And on the runway, category is..."Work of Art"! -------------- "Bad Juju" by Jujubee pulses throughout the studio as the queens begin to strut the runway Tiwa: Inspired by the iconic The Persistence of Memory painted by Salvador Dali I have taken the clocks and turned them into actual pieces or ART! The liquified art has moulded itself on my body creating a sculpture fit for the next fixture in the Modern Art Museum! Tiwa Runway Contessa: Miss Micro called for a work of art? I said let me bring the piece right onto the runwayyy! This look is a fashion representation of the work by Gustav Klimt. He worked mainly with the colour gold and focused a lot on having a female subject... guess it's good a biological woman is wearing this right now, huh? This runway look is so grand and glamorous but also artsy and camp. Those are the two elements I try to combine in my drag so this is one of my favourite runways to date. Contessa Runway Moof: This look inspired "Kanagawa oki nami ura", a very famous Japanese print, dated between 1830 and 1832, made by Katsushika Hokusai. I chose to incorporate this into an outfit by adapting a Japanese yukata, and combining it with the flows of the print's vicious waves, the way they flow all around. There is even a cute boat in the waves of the hair, creating a sparkly wake through this hair art. I chose to appreciate this artwork and fashion piece because I find them to be very beautiful and a respectful way to portray the beauty of Japanese culture. Moof Runway Unieke: For this work of art runway, I wanted to stay very to who I am inside and give some love to my inner child. So this piece is a beautifully Lopunny inspired piece paying tribute to the Pokémon art style. Lopunny is nothing but high femininity and BODY! Literally me! You thought it was over!? Yeah SIKE! Open your mouth babe, it’s opened from GAGGING! This beautiful train pays so much homage to the Japanese video game designer, illustrator, manga artist, and director of Pokémon, Ken Sugimori!! The drawings on this outfit shows off his Gen 1 Art style which holds a very special place in my heart. I am so happy about this piece. It’s different, campy, but yet still so me! Unieke Runway Zodya: For the Work of Art runway, I am inspired by two famous artists/art styles: the Jingdezhen white and blue porcelain pottery of early China and…myself! This look is actually a remake of the very first look I’ve ever drawn for a competitive org, that being FDR5’s premiere. And ever since that challenge, I’ve been terrorizing runways for just under 2 years, with that very first win proudly over my chest as a medallion! The armor pieces are made to be inspired by old porcelain, with intricate blue and white patterns and designs all across my body. Oh, and what’s better with porcelain than tea! Bitch I am OVERFLOWING, and exuberant that I was able to recreate this fantasy and make it even bigger and better than ever before! Wanna take a sip, bitch? Zodya Runway Anthyy: Tonight's runway catgeory in my eyes is a perfect opportunity to do something you know i always love to do - represent my culture. One of our best polish paintings is "Girl with chrysanthemums" by one and only Olga Boznańska. But i have a personal story with this painting. It's in my homecity,. actually in a museum very near from where i live. And when i was very little my grandma took me to see it with me. And then in the little souvenir shop she bought me a little notebook with girl with chrysanthemums on the cover, and that was my first sketchboook ever. All the first anthyy creations were created there. i still have this notebook its very near to my heart and now and then i sketch a bit in it to see my own growth. But when it comes to this look you can see this is a very diffrent than a lot of my fashions. All because of the style, the bucket, the template, the line art it all went to trash this week and i showed you pure anthy uysing the acricic paint brush - the same as Olga in her original painting from 1894. I am the little girl from the painting literally, hair mug DOWN. I just did not put her in an ufgly potato sac and instead ina very cute little dress. Baby is this a funeral of other girls carreeerS? cause im overflowing with chrysanthemums. True queen of CUNT C -chrysanthemums U- uniqueness N-nerve A- and T- talent Anthyy Runway gtGIRL: inspired by the legendary piece of artwork, inflation by summer t winters. i am serving you apple couture! im fully painted green with a giant inflated skirt. this right at the intersection of camp and glam for me!!! gtGIRL Runway Critiques Micro: Queens, excellent work this week! This week, you competed in teams. But tonight, you'll be judged individually. Read the critiques here! Micro: Thank you queens. While Hex and I deliberate, you may all head backstage to Untucked. Untucked the queens enter Untucked 🏁 Unieke CF: My team put their trust into me this week, it's the best feeling to know I helped elevate us to the peak of our abilities. I'm not putting the horse in front of the car or whatever the saying is, but I think this might be my week to win! Zodya: To those who can actually sit down in your looks, I envy you. gtGIRL bounces in her apple Zodya: How does everyone feel about their critiques? Contessa: There are certain challenges where you feel like it's just not your week. I thought that might be the case here. I try not to get too emotional, I think it causes premature aging. But I let go tonight and it really resonated. This week will always hold a special place in my heart. 🏁 Contessa CF: People can get on my case about being "too confident". This was a week where I didn't feel all that confident. I learned a lot about myself and my capabilities. And for me, that means a lot. Unieke: Oh, 100%. I get in my head all the time about being more than comedy and performing. I love to chat, but leading something like this was brand new for me. Moof: And the critiques weren't too bad! Unieke: I mean...my fingers are crossed! 🏁 Anthyy CF: I'm so happy for my sister. She got the love she deserves from the judges. I think I was part of her shining moment, so it's like I'm right there with her! gtGIRL: Tiwa, you alright? 🏁 Tiwa CF: The critiques hit me like a train tonight. I knew I wasn't at the top of my game during the challenge, and I was ready to hear about that. But I was so excited to share this runway, and it got absolutely shredded. I felt like I finally got that gasp of air, only to be pushed back underwater. Tiwa: It's getting harder and harder to get these critiques. It's no secret that I've been struggling for the past few weeks, but today was on another level. I've thought about leaving so many times, and I came close today. Unieke: Leaving the competition? Tiwa: Each week is reminding me more that saying yes to coming back might not have been the right choice. I'm so honored to be part of this group, and you've all been amazing, but it's really hard when you feel like you can't find your footing. 🏁 Contessa CF: I'm starting to worry about Tiwa. I've known her outside of this forever, but I feel like I'm seeing a version of her that I haven't seen before. I know her to be charismatic and fun, not someone who's the last to speak and go into her shell. I need to keep all my focus on the competition, but this is a real friendship and it's all I can think about right now. Anthyy: I don't want you to quit. You've come too far, and you have so much more to show. Tiwa: Do I? Everything I've shown so far has been mediocre at best. Unieke: Don't say that. You've put the work in and we can all see that. Forget about the critiques, just focus on making sure you're proud of what you've created. Keep fighting, we know you can do this. the queens return to the runway Micro: Welcome back ladies! Based on your performances tonight, I've made some decisions. 🏁 Anthyy CF: Whenever I want honest feedback, I go to Hex. But tonight, I'm hoping Micro ignored her! Micro: Tiwa. You are safe. You may step to the side of the stage. Tiwa: Thank you. 🏁 Tiwa CF: I know I wasn't at the top of my game tonight. I could've done so much better, I don't know what's not clicking. Micro: The rest of you represent the best and brightest of the week. 🏁 gtGIRL CF: This season is all about collecting banjos. And since we don't know what the next challenge will be, the last thing you want is to be blocked from getting a banjo. I hope I did enough to sneak into the top this week, just for that layer of protection. 🏁 Unieke CF: At first, being in the top was like "whaa, me?! You shouldn't have". But we're four challenges in. I need a banjo, and I need it now! Micro: Count Contessa, Unieke. Congratulations, you are the top queens of the week! You have each won a highly coveted "Golden Banjo™️". 🏁 Contessa CF: She believed she could, so she did. Second banjo secured, it feels great! 🏁 Unieke CF: Ahhh, yes!! I still got it, let's give these girls something to be afraid of. Micro: Anthyy, gtGIRL, Moof, Zodya. You are all safe and may step to the side of the stage. 🏁 Moof CF: I wanted this to be a winning week for me, I really did. I can't help but kick myself for letting go of the moderator role. 🏁 Anthyy CF: I might not be earning a banjo right now, but I still feel like I won in my own way. I gave my all to my team, and I couldn't be happier to see my girl Unieke snatch her first win! Micro: Now, are the two of you ready for a lipsync battle? Contessa Lipsync Look Unieke Lipsync Look Micro: Prior to tonight, you were asked to prepare a lipsync performance of "Prayer For The Broken" by the gorgeous and incomparable Naya Rivera. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eHtjypkGzZg Micro: And if you know me, you know I love this woman, so do it justice! 🏁 Contessa CF: I can't be the next Zodya. I need to win this one. 🏁 Unieke CF: Being on stage is where I feel the most comfortable. Winning this would prove to everyone that I can give it to you across the board. Micro: The winner of the lipsync will earn the power to block one of their fellow queens from winning a banjo next week, so remember the power that's up for grabs! 🏁 Contessa CF: I've been blocked before. Thankfully, it didn't end up mattering. But when you have that block, you are very paranoid about your position in the competition. I want that power and to be the first person to make sure their block lands. 🏁 Unieke CF: The process of choosing groups for this challenge is exactly why I need to win this lipsync. There are distinct alliances in this group, I need to make my move to ensure my protection moving forward. Micro: Good luck, and don't fuck it up! Read the lipsync here! Micro wipes away a tear and claps for both queens Micro: Ladies, thank you for such a beautiful performance. I've made my decision. ... ... Micro: Contessa. You're a winner, baby! 🏁 Contessa CF: Mwahaha, I have the power! We're reaching the point where frontrunners are emerging, this is the chance to shift the direction of the competition. Micro: Unieke, thank you for the show. Unieke: Anytime. 🏁 Unieke CF: Losing lipsyncs is certainly not something I enjoy, but I guess other people need time to shine. But if she wants a rematch, the outcome will be very different, know that. Micro: Now, will all of the queens please step to the front of the stage. 🏁 gtGIRL CF: Every week, I'm expecting to be blocked. When I won a challenge, I blocked Contessa. This sorta feels like my fate has been sealed. 🏁 Tiwa CF: If Contessa doesn't want to play messy, she could block me. I wasn't as involved this week as I could've been, and I know that's in her mind somewhere. 🏁 Zodya CF: Remember who blocked you...remember who blocked you. Don't think about how I would've done the same, just think about who actually blocked you! Micro: Contessa. With great power comes great responsibility. Which queen have you chosen...to block? 🏁 Contessa CF: I can't make this decision based on emotion. When we get to the end of this season, someone being blocked from a banjo might be what makes the difference between me going to the finale or them going. Contessa: My first reason for blocking this person isn't actually their fault, it was Micro's. You stole my win so this is my revenge that is mistargeted. Secondly, you statistically have been doing the best and in a season about statistics I don't want you to get too ahead so early on. For those reasons, I am blocking... ... Contessa: Miss Zodya Killa. Zodya flutters her eyes and places her hands below her chin like she's about to win the ONLY toddler pageant 🏁 Zodya CF: The chance of moving the target off of me and onto gtGIRL was slim. I thought maybe it might happen, but here we are. We took a step forward earlier with our friendship, and now she's taken multiple steps back. Micro: Zodya. I'm sorry my dear, but you have been blocked. You will still compete in the challenge next week, and you can still win. However, you will not be eligible to earn a highly coveted "Golden Banjo™️". Zodya: Can I ask one teeny tiny question? Micro: You may. Zodya: If Contessa blocked me, does that mean I don't have to hear from her for the next week? Unieke: My god... 🏁 Unieke CF: Could bring a tear to my eye, they learn so quickly! Micro: Well, that would be a restraining order, but I can't wait to see how this brings the two of you closer. Zodya: Can't wait! Micro: As we approach the halfway point in this competition, keep your eye on the prize, and remember the one of a kind talents that brought you this far. 🏁 Tiwa CF: I'm going into this next week knowing just how high the stakes are. I've had a rocky journey here, but if there's a chance to make a comeback while everyone else is engulfed in the drama, that's the time to strike. I'm not letting go of this opportunity. Micro: Now, let the music play! "Banjo" by BeBe Zahara Benet begins to play Next Time on Micro's Drag Race: All Winners Micro: Be afraid, be very afraid! This week, you'll be investigating the dark unsolved mysteries of...The Lost Season. Moof: This is scary, this is terrifying, this is something we may not all survive. Contessa: If anyone doesn't make it out alive, know that I hate all of you equally. 🏁 Unieke CF: I was there...it wasn't all that bad, chile. Snap out of it! Track Record Cast Shot w/ Placements |
2024.05.01 20:41 elchupinazo Success! ≈ 8 months on TRT, InBody results
 | I know these things are only so reliable, but my ECW/TBW numbers were similar enough that I felt comfortable compairing like to like. In about 7.5 months on TRT, I have: submitted by elchupinazo to Testosterone [link] [comments]
Diet really went to shit around the time of those health scares, for a while after that we were eating (and drinking) out almost every night of the week. Getting Factor meals delivered for dinner has helped a ton, and in the last few weeks I've started to get back in the habit of prepping healthy meals for lunch. We eat out once, maybe twice a week now, and maybe half the time it's something "healthy." Looks/body composition certainly wasn't a primary motivation for getting on TRT, but I'd be lying if I said I didn't like what I'm seeing here. https://preview.redd.it/mhmvv5y11vxc1.jpg?width=612&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=8e6e177156a08433da69c061523130151e3f2d6e https://preview.redd.it/z9muk6y11vxc1.jpg?width=612&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=24f266ca7655dfe158be8e4b6f0b13192d69b651 |
2024.05.01 08:22 SnooPandas9020 How to request time off for an appointment as an intern?
I’ve finished my second year in university and am starting my first accounting internship next week, but I have an hour-long doctor’s appointment in two weeks on May 15 during working hours.
I have not even met my manager yet, but I was thinking it would be best to email them as early as possible about this, but I’m not even sure how to go about requesting this because I’m not sure how this would disrupt my work. A lot of the “asking for time off” templates include a solution to make up for the time off by discussing with co-workers, completing work in advance, etc.. So I’m not really sure what I should add to make the hours up: I was thinking of adding how I can work beyond my specified work hours or use my lunch break (but I don’t even know how long my lunch breaks are - although the contract mentions breaks, it doesn’t mention how long they are).
I’m just worried this is going to somehow ruin their impression of me, but I have to attend this doctor’s appointment. Maybe I’m stressing too much because it’s my first internship, but I just don’t want to mess this up.
submitted by SnooPandas9020 to Accounting [link] [comments]
I have not even met my manager yet, but I was thinking it would be best to email them as early as possible about this, but I’m not even sure how to go about requesting this because I’m not sure how this would disrupt my work. A lot of the “asking for time off” templates include a solution to make up for the time off by discussing with co-workers, completing work in advance, etc.. So I’m not really sure what I should add to make the hours up: I was thinking of adding how I can work beyond my specified work hours or use my lunch break (but I don’t even know how long my lunch breaks are - although the contract mentions breaks, it doesn’t mention how long they are).
I’m just worried this is going to somehow ruin their impression of me, but I have to attend this doctor’s appointment. Maybe I’m stressing too much because it’s my first internship, but I just don’t want to mess this up.
2024.04.30 16:38 nw245 she named him JRUE
 | i looked on her page and i think it’s pronounced “drew” 🫥 submitted by nw245 to tragedeigh [link] [comments] |
2024.04.29 12:47 lacypuffpastry This or that?
 | submitted by lacypuffpastry to GilmoreGirls [link] [comments] |
2024.04.27 17:24 Cokezerowh0re This or that
 | Adult Jess > Logan but idk ab Jess as a whole submitted by Cokezerowh0re to GilmoreGirls [link] [comments] |
2024.04.27 00:11 isabelgibneyta My surgery experience through to 5 days post op (an essay!)
This is LONG! But I found this sort of thing very helpful to read when others posted so I want to give a bit back now. This is the first time I've ever been in hospital for any sort of procedure so I didn't know what to expect, and reading other people's experiences made me less fearful than I would have been.
The basics:
Caucasian 49f, 5' 8"/173cm tall, wearing a correctly fitting UK 34H bra before surgery. Aiming for a 34D (my preference) or DD (what my surgeon thinks is achievable). Surgeon advised that an FNG will be necessary because my natural breasts are a bit too long to safely move the nipples without detaching them first.
Private procedure, private hospital in New Zealand. I have no insurance coverage for this and am not eligible to have it on the public health system due to having no serious problems leading up to this. I don't even have back pain. All credit to my Panache Tango bras which have kept everything supported and contained for many years now.
Sunday 21 April:
8pm: Finished dinner. No more food now until after my surgery although water is allowed until 5am. I thought I'd be really nervous and unable to sleep, but actually I went to sleep no bother.
Other than not eating or drinking in the hours beforehand I had no pre-surgery instructions except to cease any sort of self-medication or taking supplements for two weeks in advance of surgery.
Monday 22 April (surgery day):
Pre surgery
4am: woke up for a pee, had a few sips of water, then went back to sleep
6am: alarm woke me up. Had a shower and changed into my going-to-hospital clothes. I was glad that I'd planned ahead and thrown a tea towel over the kettle so I didn't make myself a morning coffee on autopilot!
6:30am: my friend came to pick me up to go to the hospital. I had planned to walk myself there but he wouldn't hear of it and in the end it was nice to not be walking alone in the dark for 45 minutes.
6:45am: arrived at hospital, gave my friend one last squishy-boob hug, and went in. I was a bit apprehensive but not too bad. I used box breathing to keep my body calm.
7:00am: nurse escorted me upstairs to have my pre-op consultation. This involved going over my health (good), allergies (none), existing medications (none), and what to expect from the surgery process. There were no tests other than checking my height and weight, which confirmed that my pre-surgery stress eating has definitely had an impact! No pee tests, no blood tests. She asked could I be pregnant, I said definitely not, and that was the end of that line of questioning.
7:15am: nurse gave me a block of foam infused with antiseptic soap, and instructions to wash my torso and under my arms at the sink before changing into the hospital gown and dressing-gown and compression stockings that she provided. She had already left the room before I realised that I didn't know if I was meant to rinse off the soap, and the packet didn't give that level of instruction, so I just towel-dried myself and the soap turned the towel pink. Oops.
7:30am: anaesthetist came in to talk to me. Went over my health/allergies/medications again, and he also had me move my head and mouth in various ways to make sure there'd be no issue with getting a breathing tube in there or whatever else he might want to do. I told him I was very nervous about getting the IV needle inserted, so he offered to give me gas first and I gratefully accepted. He also gave me an anti-nausea patch to stick just below my right ear, and a couple of sedative tablets to settle my nerves. I have a history of my brain overriding sedative tablets, probably due to all the adrenaline in my system when I'm anticipating being jabbed with a needle, but I took them anyway because I was so thirsty that I wanted the little cup of water that arrived to wash down the tablets with.
7:40am: my surgeon came in with his indelible marker (an office supply bog-standard marker, which I found very amusing as it was so very ordinary and not like a special surgical tool) to mark me up. We confirmed what size I would like to be after surgery, a D cup or thereabouts, and he marked all the places where he would cut and sew me and drew a few other things on my skin to remind himself of what to do. He did this while I was standing up. He used a wire template for the new areola/nipple area on each breast so they will be the same size and shape after surgery. The nipples will be a lot higher than what nature provided for me!
7:45am: another nurse came in and helped me to settle into a trolley bed, and tucked me in under a nice smooth sheet and a lovely self-warming blanket so I was cosy and relaxed.
8:00am: the nurse wheeled me to theatre. At no point did I notice any effects of the sedative and I was sitting up on my elbows as we travelled so I could see where we were going. We arrived into a clean, modern-looking operating theatre with a feature wall and lots of people and machinery. I scooted over from my trolley onto the operating table and lay down. People fussed over machinery (as the anaesthetist said, it was like the sudden flurry of activity when an F1 car comes in to have tyres changed). Somebody put calf pumps on my lower legs to keep blood flow moving during and after surgery. The anaesthetist put a mask over my nose and mouth, and poked me in the corner of the eye as he did so which I didn't enjoy very much, but before I had time to protest he was instructing me to puff out all the air in my lungs and then breathe in enough to deflate all the air in the gas bag attached to the mask. I did so and felt very claustrophobic immediately because my brain and body could tell that it wasn't normal air I was breathing. It was heavy and smelled unpleasant and all my natural instincts were telling me to get away from the poison. Thankfully this didn't last long, because by the time I started drawing my second breath I could already tell that it was working. I don't remember finishing the second breath or anything after that.
Post surgery
10:20am: I woke up in a recovery ward and it took a moment to remember where I was or what I was doing there, as I'd been having pleasant dreams up to that point. I asked the nurse what time it was, which is how I knew the time. She said that everything had gone well and she gave me an ice block which went down very nicely. I was in no pain or discomfort but I was in and out of sleep - I actually woke myself up snoring at one point because of course I was on my back. My surgeon came in and said everything went perfectly and I didn't even need the FNG in the end. I asked how much weight he took off and he said 1.1kg from my right breast and 850g from my left, so almost 2kg or 4.4lb in total.
11am ish: at some point I was moved to my own private room but I don't remember this. I feel like I was awake at the time but I just can't remember any details now. I woke up again in bed with the calf pumps working away on my lower legs and a drain coming out of each side of my ribcage to drain fluid into bottles on the floor on each side of the bed.
My incisions were all taped up so nothing was visible. There was also a wide tape across my upper chest which gave lots of support. My nipples had no feeling in them but that is normal for my body, and they had blood supply and were reacting to changes of temperature or sensation so that's all looking really good.
11:30am: by now I was mostly awake and taking selfies with my phone. My "emergency contact" friend came to visit, as the hospital had phoned her to say I was out of surgery, so that was a nice surprise. I was probably not making a great deal of coherent sense yet but I remember talking to her and also flashing her because I wanted to show off my new boobies!
1:30pm: time for lunch, which turned out to be a selection of finger sandwiches, a bowl of fruit salad, and a glass of orange juice. Perfect!
A nurse helped me to the toilet, as I needed to have my calf pumps temporarily disconnected before I could get out of bed. Being upright and mobile was no problem, and I was glad that I'd practised so many squats before surgery because I could easily lower myself to put the drain collector jars on the floor and then pick them up again after I'd washed my hands.
The rest of Monday was me having hourly nurse checks for the first four hours, then four-hourly for the rest of my stay, and eating delicious food. Dinner was a sweetcorn and coconut chowder followed by beef brisket with mashed potato and salad, and a blueberry and lemon cobbler for dessert. I had an evening supper of cheese and crackers.
I received IV antibiotics through the peripheral IV port in my left wrist. This port was the only really uncomfortable part of my whole experience and definitely gave me more pain overall than anything else. I was given alternating codeine and paracetamol to keep my pain manageable, but there was almost no pain the majority of the time and I never rated it higher than 2 out of 10 apart from that IV port.
Another friend came to visit that evening, which was very welcome. I hadn't told many people that I was having this surgery so I wasn't expecting any visitors, but it was really nice to see familiar faces and to have them see that I was in great form!
Tuesday (1 day post op)
After being woken at midnight and again at 4am for checks, I gave up on getting much sleep (but also didn't feel very tired), so I pressed my call button at 5:30am and summoned sandwiches and a mug of tea. Breakfast proper, muesli and toast and yoghurt and a pot of coffee, arrived at 7am.
My drains had drained almost nothing in the past 24 hours, so it was no surprise when my surgeon visited and said that I was cleared to have them taken out and to go home. He said I'd have a blood test before leaving and I immediately got extremely anxious as there had been no mention of any blood tests before this point so I wasn't at all prepared. After some discussion he said that, as it was only a routine check that he does for all his patients and he had no particular concerns about me, we could skip that. He said that I might be a touch anaemic but I didn't lose much blood during surgery so it's probably not a big deal. I eat a lot of red meat anyway so I think that will sort itself out without any intervention.
By 9.30am I had the calf pumps off and was getting ready to be discharged. The nurse came to give me more intravenous medication of some sort, this time injected directly into the IV port rather than dripped in from a bag. First she flushed the port with saline, which was fine, then injected the medication, which was fine, then she followed up with another saline flush which was really painful. It felt like she was jabbing me with a needle. I loudly protested so she had another couple of attempts but with the same painful result each time. Then she brought in a different nurse who had a go, but I was almost crying with pain and eventually they stopped. I don't know what changed and they could not offer any explanation, but I assume the needle implanted in my wrist got moved somehow after the medication and before the second saline flush. Thank goodness they decided to just let it go as they'd got a couple of ml of saline in there already so the medication was probably all in me as it should be.
After this drama I was glad to lie and rest for a while. The nurse gave me some codeine before having my drains taken out; I had the choice of one drain at a time or both at once, so I chose both at once and a pair of nurses had them whipped out in no time. They taped up the drain sites and then I could have a shower, although it was really more of a flannel bath because the shower head was at waist height. That was fine and it was lovely to freshen up with my own Fenjal shower gel and put on some moisturiser.
Last step before being released was to have that IV port removed. I was so glad to see it go. After that, my friend came to collect me, we went by the pharmacy to pick up my prescriptions (codeine, laxative, and anti-inflammatory tablets) and off home. I felt alert, mobile, almost pain-free apart from some stinging in my incisions if I moved to quickly, and very much ready to go home.
This was the last day that I had any codeine. I just took paracetamol from then on. I did not experience any constipation.
Wednesday (2 days post op)
I took it very easy today. Friends came to visit in batches and I received them while lying on the sofa, and allowed them to bring me cups of tea and clean the kitchen for me. I was worn out by 6pm and went to bed early but was awake again by midnight. Then back to sleep from around 4am to 7am. I'm not in any pain but am taking paracetamol every 8 hours just to keep it that way.
Thursday (3 days post op)
I cautiously walked a couple of kilometres to the local supermarket and back, which turned out to be no problem so long as I walk gently and slowly. My underarms are very bruised from the small bit of side lipo that my surgeon does as standard, but I can easily reach up or out so long as I'm careful, and changing clothes is no problem. I don't need to wear button-front tops as I can pull a t-shirt over my head without any discomfort. I did not receive any instructions from my surgeon about how to sleep, how to move, what to avoid, or anything other than "wear a stretchy zip-front bra and do less than you think you can", so I'm listening to my body and letting it set the pace.
Saturday (5 days post op)
This is today! I am now 5 days post op and feeling great. I can easily move around the house and go out for walks, although I wouldn't want to do anything even close to strenuous just yet. Even the prospect of walking up a flight of stairs would make me think twice and then look for an elevator. Mentally I feel fine and could easily have resumed my remote WFH job by the end of the week, but it's nice to have some time to just enjoy my new body and let myself heal with no pressure.
I've been sleeping slightly raised up on a pile of pillows with a maternity pillow bolstering me on either side. This is mainly so I don't roll over on my side in my sleep. This happened twice last night so my body obviously wants to get back to normal, but it would be far too painful so I'll stick with the pillow nest for the time being.
My chest is starting to get itchy now so things are definitely healing. I'll be taking a daily antihistamine tablet from now until whenever that stops being so annoying!
EDIT
Thursday (10 days post op)
Today is day 10 post op for me, so I obediently trotted along to my surgeon's rooms to have my original dressings removed and replaced with Mefix tape. Everything is healing perfectly and there are no concerns either from me or from the surgeon. On the way home I stopped off to do some clothes shopping and was trying on tops and dresses that are three to four sizes down from what I was wearing a fortnight ago. It's amazing.
SECOND EDIT Three weeks post op At 3WPO I had another appointment to have the Mefix tapes checked and changed. The nurse is very pleased with how the incisions are healing and there are no openings. When these tapes come off I'll replace them myself with Micropore for scar management. I'm feeling great, have a full range of motion, and have just started cautiously sleeping on my side again, supported by pillows.
Thank you for coming to my TED talk, LOL. Feel free to ask any questions!
submitted by isabelgibneyta to Reduction [link] [comments]
The basics:
Caucasian 49f, 5' 8"/173cm tall, wearing a correctly fitting UK 34H bra before surgery. Aiming for a 34D (my preference) or DD (what my surgeon thinks is achievable). Surgeon advised that an FNG will be necessary because my natural breasts are a bit too long to safely move the nipples without detaching them first.
Private procedure, private hospital in New Zealand. I have no insurance coverage for this and am not eligible to have it on the public health system due to having no serious problems leading up to this. I don't even have back pain. All credit to my Panache Tango bras which have kept everything supported and contained for many years now.
Sunday 21 April:
8pm: Finished dinner. No more food now until after my surgery although water is allowed until 5am. I thought I'd be really nervous and unable to sleep, but actually I went to sleep no bother.
Other than not eating or drinking in the hours beforehand I had no pre-surgery instructions except to cease any sort of self-medication or taking supplements for two weeks in advance of surgery.
Monday 22 April (surgery day):
Pre surgery
4am: woke up for a pee, had a few sips of water, then went back to sleep
6am: alarm woke me up. Had a shower and changed into my going-to-hospital clothes. I was glad that I'd planned ahead and thrown a tea towel over the kettle so I didn't make myself a morning coffee on autopilot!
6:30am: my friend came to pick me up to go to the hospital. I had planned to walk myself there but he wouldn't hear of it and in the end it was nice to not be walking alone in the dark for 45 minutes.
6:45am: arrived at hospital, gave my friend one last squishy-boob hug, and went in. I was a bit apprehensive but not too bad. I used box breathing to keep my body calm.
7:00am: nurse escorted me upstairs to have my pre-op consultation. This involved going over my health (good), allergies (none), existing medications (none), and what to expect from the surgery process. There were no tests other than checking my height and weight, which confirmed that my pre-surgery stress eating has definitely had an impact! No pee tests, no blood tests. She asked could I be pregnant, I said definitely not, and that was the end of that line of questioning.
7:15am: nurse gave me a block of foam infused with antiseptic soap, and instructions to wash my torso and under my arms at the sink before changing into the hospital gown and dressing-gown and compression stockings that she provided. She had already left the room before I realised that I didn't know if I was meant to rinse off the soap, and the packet didn't give that level of instruction, so I just towel-dried myself and the soap turned the towel pink. Oops.
7:30am: anaesthetist came in to talk to me. Went over my health/allergies/medications again, and he also had me move my head and mouth in various ways to make sure there'd be no issue with getting a breathing tube in there or whatever else he might want to do. I told him I was very nervous about getting the IV needle inserted, so he offered to give me gas first and I gratefully accepted. He also gave me an anti-nausea patch to stick just below my right ear, and a couple of sedative tablets to settle my nerves. I have a history of my brain overriding sedative tablets, probably due to all the adrenaline in my system when I'm anticipating being jabbed with a needle, but I took them anyway because I was so thirsty that I wanted the little cup of water that arrived to wash down the tablets with.
7:40am: my surgeon came in with his indelible marker (an office supply bog-standard marker, which I found very amusing as it was so very ordinary and not like a special surgical tool) to mark me up. We confirmed what size I would like to be after surgery, a D cup or thereabouts, and he marked all the places where he would cut and sew me and drew a few other things on my skin to remind himself of what to do. He did this while I was standing up. He used a wire template for the new areola/nipple area on each breast so they will be the same size and shape after surgery. The nipples will be a lot higher than what nature provided for me!
7:45am: another nurse came in and helped me to settle into a trolley bed, and tucked me in under a nice smooth sheet and a lovely self-warming blanket so I was cosy and relaxed.
8:00am: the nurse wheeled me to theatre. At no point did I notice any effects of the sedative and I was sitting up on my elbows as we travelled so I could see where we were going. We arrived into a clean, modern-looking operating theatre with a feature wall and lots of people and machinery. I scooted over from my trolley onto the operating table and lay down. People fussed over machinery (as the anaesthetist said, it was like the sudden flurry of activity when an F1 car comes in to have tyres changed). Somebody put calf pumps on my lower legs to keep blood flow moving during and after surgery. The anaesthetist put a mask over my nose and mouth, and poked me in the corner of the eye as he did so which I didn't enjoy very much, but before I had time to protest he was instructing me to puff out all the air in my lungs and then breathe in enough to deflate all the air in the gas bag attached to the mask. I did so and felt very claustrophobic immediately because my brain and body could tell that it wasn't normal air I was breathing. It was heavy and smelled unpleasant and all my natural instincts were telling me to get away from the poison. Thankfully this didn't last long, because by the time I started drawing my second breath I could already tell that it was working. I don't remember finishing the second breath or anything after that.
Post surgery
10:20am: I woke up in a recovery ward and it took a moment to remember where I was or what I was doing there, as I'd been having pleasant dreams up to that point. I asked the nurse what time it was, which is how I knew the time. She said that everything had gone well and she gave me an ice block which went down very nicely. I was in no pain or discomfort but I was in and out of sleep - I actually woke myself up snoring at one point because of course I was on my back. My surgeon came in and said everything went perfectly and I didn't even need the FNG in the end. I asked how much weight he took off and he said 1.1kg from my right breast and 850g from my left, so almost 2kg or 4.4lb in total.
11am ish: at some point I was moved to my own private room but I don't remember this. I feel like I was awake at the time but I just can't remember any details now. I woke up again in bed with the calf pumps working away on my lower legs and a drain coming out of each side of my ribcage to drain fluid into bottles on the floor on each side of the bed.
My incisions were all taped up so nothing was visible. There was also a wide tape across my upper chest which gave lots of support. My nipples had no feeling in them but that is normal for my body, and they had blood supply and were reacting to changes of temperature or sensation so that's all looking really good.
11:30am: by now I was mostly awake and taking selfies with my phone. My "emergency contact" friend came to visit, as the hospital had phoned her to say I was out of surgery, so that was a nice surprise. I was probably not making a great deal of coherent sense yet but I remember talking to her and also flashing her because I wanted to show off my new boobies!
1:30pm: time for lunch, which turned out to be a selection of finger sandwiches, a bowl of fruit salad, and a glass of orange juice. Perfect!
A nurse helped me to the toilet, as I needed to have my calf pumps temporarily disconnected before I could get out of bed. Being upright and mobile was no problem, and I was glad that I'd practised so many squats before surgery because I could easily lower myself to put the drain collector jars on the floor and then pick them up again after I'd washed my hands.
The rest of Monday was me having hourly nurse checks for the first four hours, then four-hourly for the rest of my stay, and eating delicious food. Dinner was a sweetcorn and coconut chowder followed by beef brisket with mashed potato and salad, and a blueberry and lemon cobbler for dessert. I had an evening supper of cheese and crackers.
I received IV antibiotics through the peripheral IV port in my left wrist. This port was the only really uncomfortable part of my whole experience and definitely gave me more pain overall than anything else. I was given alternating codeine and paracetamol to keep my pain manageable, but there was almost no pain the majority of the time and I never rated it higher than 2 out of 10 apart from that IV port.
Another friend came to visit that evening, which was very welcome. I hadn't told many people that I was having this surgery so I wasn't expecting any visitors, but it was really nice to see familiar faces and to have them see that I was in great form!
Tuesday (1 day post op)
After being woken at midnight and again at 4am for checks, I gave up on getting much sleep (but also didn't feel very tired), so I pressed my call button at 5:30am and summoned sandwiches and a mug of tea. Breakfast proper, muesli and toast and yoghurt and a pot of coffee, arrived at 7am.
My drains had drained almost nothing in the past 24 hours, so it was no surprise when my surgeon visited and said that I was cleared to have them taken out and to go home. He said I'd have a blood test before leaving and I immediately got extremely anxious as there had been no mention of any blood tests before this point so I wasn't at all prepared. After some discussion he said that, as it was only a routine check that he does for all his patients and he had no particular concerns about me, we could skip that. He said that I might be a touch anaemic but I didn't lose much blood during surgery so it's probably not a big deal. I eat a lot of red meat anyway so I think that will sort itself out without any intervention.
By 9.30am I had the calf pumps off and was getting ready to be discharged. The nurse came to give me more intravenous medication of some sort, this time injected directly into the IV port rather than dripped in from a bag. First she flushed the port with saline, which was fine, then injected the medication, which was fine, then she followed up with another saline flush which was really painful. It felt like she was jabbing me with a needle. I loudly protested so she had another couple of attempts but with the same painful result each time. Then she brought in a different nurse who had a go, but I was almost crying with pain and eventually they stopped. I don't know what changed and they could not offer any explanation, but I assume the needle implanted in my wrist got moved somehow after the medication and before the second saline flush. Thank goodness they decided to just let it go as they'd got a couple of ml of saline in there already so the medication was probably all in me as it should be.
After this drama I was glad to lie and rest for a while. The nurse gave me some codeine before having my drains taken out; I had the choice of one drain at a time or both at once, so I chose both at once and a pair of nurses had them whipped out in no time. They taped up the drain sites and then I could have a shower, although it was really more of a flannel bath because the shower head was at waist height. That was fine and it was lovely to freshen up with my own Fenjal shower gel and put on some moisturiser.
Last step before being released was to have that IV port removed. I was so glad to see it go. After that, my friend came to collect me, we went by the pharmacy to pick up my prescriptions (codeine, laxative, and anti-inflammatory tablets) and off home. I felt alert, mobile, almost pain-free apart from some stinging in my incisions if I moved to quickly, and very much ready to go home.
This was the last day that I had any codeine. I just took paracetamol from then on. I did not experience any constipation.
Wednesday (2 days post op)
I took it very easy today. Friends came to visit in batches and I received them while lying on the sofa, and allowed them to bring me cups of tea and clean the kitchen for me. I was worn out by 6pm and went to bed early but was awake again by midnight. Then back to sleep from around 4am to 7am. I'm not in any pain but am taking paracetamol every 8 hours just to keep it that way.
Thursday (3 days post op)
I cautiously walked a couple of kilometres to the local supermarket and back, which turned out to be no problem so long as I walk gently and slowly. My underarms are very bruised from the small bit of side lipo that my surgeon does as standard, but I can easily reach up or out so long as I'm careful, and changing clothes is no problem. I don't need to wear button-front tops as I can pull a t-shirt over my head without any discomfort. I did not receive any instructions from my surgeon about how to sleep, how to move, what to avoid, or anything other than "wear a stretchy zip-front bra and do less than you think you can", so I'm listening to my body and letting it set the pace.
Saturday (5 days post op)
This is today! I am now 5 days post op and feeling great. I can easily move around the house and go out for walks, although I wouldn't want to do anything even close to strenuous just yet. Even the prospect of walking up a flight of stairs would make me think twice and then look for an elevator. Mentally I feel fine and could easily have resumed my remote WFH job by the end of the week, but it's nice to have some time to just enjoy my new body and let myself heal with no pressure.
I've been sleeping slightly raised up on a pile of pillows with a maternity pillow bolstering me on either side. This is mainly so I don't roll over on my side in my sleep. This happened twice last night so my body obviously wants to get back to normal, but it would be far too painful so I'll stick with the pillow nest for the time being.
My chest is starting to get itchy now so things are definitely healing. I'll be taking a daily antihistamine tablet from now until whenever that stops being so annoying!
EDIT
Thursday (10 days post op)
Today is day 10 post op for me, so I obediently trotted along to my surgeon's rooms to have my original dressings removed and replaced with Mefix tape. Everything is healing perfectly and there are no concerns either from me or from the surgeon. On the way home I stopped off to do some clothes shopping and was trying on tops and dresses that are three to four sizes down from what I was wearing a fortnight ago. It's amazing.
SECOND EDIT Three weeks post op At 3WPO I had another appointment to have the Mefix tapes checked and changed. The nurse is very pleased with how the incisions are healing and there are no openings. When these tapes come off I'll replace them myself with Micropore for scar management. I'm feeling great, have a full range of motion, and have just started cautiously sleeping on my side again, supported by pillows.
Thank you for coming to my TED talk, LOL. Feel free to ask any questions!
2024.04.25 23:19 snake_eyes667 Corporate Life *eyeroll*
I just wanted to rant about my newish job that sometimes takes a toll on me and my brain.
Just to give you an idea, I'm a millennial, veteran who finished my degree a few years ago then started working in Higher Ed (staff, not a teacher). I really did like my job, loved my coworkers, and had a great boss. The work was ok, a pretty simple job, had to deal with angry students/parents at times, but no big deal. Pay was meh, but didn't keep up with rising costs. I wanted to do something more related to my major, something Accounting/Finance ish. I kept my eye out for job openings within the school, but nothing new came up. I hate to put it this way, but those kind of jobs are full of people who have been here for 15-20 years who didn't need a degree and plan to stay until retirement. (Can't say I don't blame them).
I (somehow) got chosen for a job I applied to, Corporate type job. I've been working here for about 5 months now. Pay is slightly better, hybrid work week and good benefits. The job itself isn't difficult, but my boss is so unpredictable and the culture/environment are dull. I love being downtown and trying new places to eat while I'm in the office, but it seems like no one else on my team takes a break. If they do take lunch it's a very short one to eat real quick or go grab something and eat at their desk. Some people leave early to pick up their kids and get on later in the day. My boss has been clear about being flexible with family and personal stuff as long as we get our work done, which is great.
Since I've been working here, my boss has made me cry (I was at home) about 4-5 times. I cry when I get extremely frustrated, it's just a release and will feel better after. When I first started, I had other team members train me and help me get access for certain databases and whatnot. Then we had 1 person leave, and I had to learn almost all of her tasks in like 2 days. We just had another person (rotational program) leave so now I've picked up more things. Again, not difficult but 1 task is more difficult because you depend on others to fill in information needed. Many things are done "the way they've always been done", so I can continue on with how we do things.
To be honest, it's not about the tasks, it's about the miscommunication and the "feedback" when I get them done and my boss reviews it. For example, I have put together a Powerpoint for whatever random leadership views it. I can reuse the same template from previous months but change the data with the new info. On one slide, we can add bullets of any updates, so I added a few based off of the notes I was given. After review, they ask if these are significant enough to be bullets. I said Idk, the title says Updates. Idk what leaderships defines significant as. After much ranting and me being somewhat of a smartass, I didn't post any updates. Boss always has to "challenge" me and makes me feel like an idiot because there's a lot I still don't know. I'm not a hold my hand person while doing a task, so I do what I think is best but always get shot down. I'm not allowed to say anything like "my best guess is..." or "I assume" or similar. It's either you know it or you don't. Also, feel free to ask questions. I also feel like even silly personal conversations are awkward. (Maybe, I'm just awkward? Idk)
I don't know what to do, I applied for a new job today that matches my interests. I don't dislike the company, but everyone just looks like drones on my floor with their 2 giant screens and free breakroom coffee. Sometimes I just want to be like, Fuck it, I quit. But, I need the health insurance and paycheck right now. Plus this company barely does anything for their employees. I can recall 1 day getting a box with a sandwich and chips and one other day a got a Tiffs Treats cookie. We get all these emails about celebrating diversity and stuff but it's all virtual presentations and articles and crap. Nothing actually goes on in the office.
Thank you for reading if you did, any advice would be helpful. I've had great bosses and ok bosses, but this is a whole nother level of ugh.
submitted by snake_eyes667 to work [link] [comments]
Just to give you an idea, I'm a millennial, veteran who finished my degree a few years ago then started working in Higher Ed (staff, not a teacher). I really did like my job, loved my coworkers, and had a great boss. The work was ok, a pretty simple job, had to deal with angry students/parents at times, but no big deal. Pay was meh, but didn't keep up with rising costs. I wanted to do something more related to my major, something Accounting/Finance ish. I kept my eye out for job openings within the school, but nothing new came up. I hate to put it this way, but those kind of jobs are full of people who have been here for 15-20 years who didn't need a degree and plan to stay until retirement. (Can't say I don't blame them).
I (somehow) got chosen for a job I applied to, Corporate type job. I've been working here for about 5 months now. Pay is slightly better, hybrid work week and good benefits. The job itself isn't difficult, but my boss is so unpredictable and the culture/environment are dull. I love being downtown and trying new places to eat while I'm in the office, but it seems like no one else on my team takes a break. If they do take lunch it's a very short one to eat real quick or go grab something and eat at their desk. Some people leave early to pick up their kids and get on later in the day. My boss has been clear about being flexible with family and personal stuff as long as we get our work done, which is great.
Since I've been working here, my boss has made me cry (I was at home) about 4-5 times. I cry when I get extremely frustrated, it's just a release and will feel better after. When I first started, I had other team members train me and help me get access for certain databases and whatnot. Then we had 1 person leave, and I had to learn almost all of her tasks in like 2 days. We just had another person (rotational program) leave so now I've picked up more things. Again, not difficult but 1 task is more difficult because you depend on others to fill in information needed. Many things are done "the way they've always been done", so I can continue on with how we do things.
To be honest, it's not about the tasks, it's about the miscommunication and the "feedback" when I get them done and my boss reviews it. For example, I have put together a Powerpoint for whatever random leadership views it. I can reuse the same template from previous months but change the data with the new info. On one slide, we can add bullets of any updates, so I added a few based off of the notes I was given. After review, they ask if these are significant enough to be bullets. I said Idk, the title says Updates. Idk what leaderships defines significant as. After much ranting and me being somewhat of a smartass, I didn't post any updates. Boss always has to "challenge" me and makes me feel like an idiot because there's a lot I still don't know. I'm not a hold my hand person while doing a task, so I do what I think is best but always get shot down. I'm not allowed to say anything like "my best guess is..." or "I assume" or similar. It's either you know it or you don't. Also, feel free to ask questions. I also feel like even silly personal conversations are awkward. (Maybe, I'm just awkward? Idk)
I don't know what to do, I applied for a new job today that matches my interests. I don't dislike the company, but everyone just looks like drones on my floor with their 2 giant screens and free breakroom coffee. Sometimes I just want to be like, Fuck it, I quit. But, I need the health insurance and paycheck right now. Plus this company barely does anything for their employees. I can recall 1 day getting a box with a sandwich and chips and one other day a got a Tiffs Treats cookie. We get all these emails about celebrating diversity and stuff but it's all virtual presentations and articles and crap. Nothing actually goes on in the office.
Thank you for reading if you did, any advice would be helpful. I've had great bosses and ok bosses, but this is a whole nother level of ugh.
2024.04.25 20:40 tryan2tellu QBRs… I dont know who needs to hear this…
Meetings and running a good one is a sales skill that once you hit a certain tenure, you better be good at. Agenda, opening, content, questions/next step. At or under time given.
We just had a 5hr+ marathon qbr session for 6 reps on my team. Was supposed to be 9-1. We were given a 13 slide template. Told 45 min each. We are going in order of seniority on the team. I was last. All tenured enterprise ERP reps.
Boss and VP kick off :10 min First guy… 1:05 😮 Second guy :50😐 Third guy 1:35 🫨
Take a 10min break that was supposed to be 30min for lunch. Im over here eating a bowl of cereal. Boss says we need to be at :30 for the last 3. VP pushes his call at 1 to stay late.
Fourth :28 😃 Fifth :34 😐 Me: 23 😃
33%. There is absolutely zero reason to not get 13 slides done in 30 or less.
If you have a time limit on any meeting with execs? Stick to it. If they give you less? Adjust. Those 8 people for an extra hour plus? They should take the salary time total out of the paychecks of the people who went over. You do this with prospects they will hate you just as much as I do.
K. Vent sesh over. Thank you for listening.
submitted by tryan2tellu to sales [link] [comments]
We just had a 5hr+ marathon qbr session for 6 reps on my team. Was supposed to be 9-1. We were given a 13 slide template. Told 45 min each. We are going in order of seniority on the team. I was last. All tenured enterprise ERP reps.
Boss and VP kick off :10 min First guy… 1:05 😮 Second guy :50😐 Third guy 1:35 🫨
Take a 10min break that was supposed to be 30min for lunch. Im over here eating a bowl of cereal. Boss says we need to be at :30 for the last 3. VP pushes his call at 1 to stay late.
Fourth :28 😃 Fifth :34 😐 Me: 23 😃
33%. There is absolutely zero reason to not get 13 slides done in 30 or less.
If you have a time limit on any meeting with execs? Stick to it. If they give you less? Adjust. Those 8 people for an extra hour plus? They should take the salary time total out of the paychecks of the people who went over. You do this with prospects they will hate you just as much as I do.
K. Vent sesh over. Thank you for listening.
2024.04.25 17:11 toolz77 Powerlifting and Sema, How I did it
I had friends having great success with this drug and I knew I had to make some changes in my life before I took it. I did all the research I could but really didn’t find anyone in my situation who was on it or what had happened to them. If you’re a strength sport athlete who is tired of being strong and not looking like it. I hope this helps you.
Age 46: Jan 7th start drug SW 267 26.3% BF April 25th CW: 224 21.2% BF GW: 203-208 15-17% BF, will do next meet at 198 so want to stay within 5-10# of that
16 Week History 43# down, 2.69 pounds a week, 5.1% BF loss
Note: BF measurements above are from a home scale. On 3/21/24 I did a Fit 3D Scan and measured at 23.77% @ 234.3 BW, the scale was registering 22.6% BF this day so I’d estimate these BF measurements from scale are 1% off
Lifts recorded in competition, 24 hour weigh ins
4/22/2023: BW: 266.1 (water cut 8#) Squat 518.1 = 1.94X BW Bench 374.8 = 1.40X BW Deadlift 633.8 = 2.38 BW
4/6/2024: BW: 227.7 (did a minor water cut was 232 week of meet) Squat 474 = 2.08X BW Bench 352.7 = 1.55X BW Deadlift 601.8 = 2.64 BW
Training: 4 Day split with main lift each day (MTWF) followed by 3-4 accessory lifts, followed Ed Coan’s 11 week peaking template. The main problem I had was all lifts in the peaking program were based on my maxes at a heavier weight, about 4 weeks in on Feb 7th I was already down to 251, this 16 pound loss was completely messing up my squat form and I had to drastically reduce my maxes in the program to complete each day’s lifts. On March 7th I was at 239, again I had to refactor my maxes to continue the meet peak and not miss lifts in the gym. The workouts sucked, I dragged ass through most of them, prior to sema I was consuming at least 3k calories a day and had no problems training.
Nutrition: Prior to starting this drug I quit drinking on September 24th, 2023 and got my low key alcoholism in check first, this was the next step in getting my health in order. I don’t think I could have done both at once. Once I felt confident I had put that demon in his box I started attacking my overall health.
The first four weeks at a .25mg dose I was only able to eat ~1500 calories a day, my TDEE at this time should have been roughly 3500 calories a day. After four weeks I moved to .5mg which is where I have stayed since then. My TDEE now is 3,261 calories per day. Daily intake is currently ~1800 calories a day. I meal prep lunch and dinner and have a protein bar for breakfast and a few snacks throughout the day. I weigh everything I eat and record everything. Macro breakdown is 40 Fat, 30 Carb, 30 Protein but I don’t worry about macros when eating or prepping this is just how it worked out over the last 16 weeks. My gf started in November and has lost 50# without calorie tracking, she does get her lunch and dinner prepared by me though and doesn’t snack and works on her feet all day but does not workout. It is possible to lose weight without tracking calories but it's easier and quicker if you do.
Thoughts: I see people discouraged on here and not losing weight like they think they should. Be honest with yourself and weigh and record EVERYTHING you eat for a week, including sauces, dressings, etc. The first law of thermodynamics is immutable. If you’re burning more calories than you’re consuming the weight will come off. I know people can say you could have just done CICO, yeah probably, but I was ALWAYS hungry prior to this drug and now I’m not. The food noise suppression, at least for me, has been fantastic. My biggest fear was losing strength I had spent years building. That didn’t happen, all my lifts went up as a coefficient of body weight. I feel great and plan on wearing minimal shirts all summer long now :)
submitted by toolz77 to Semaglutide [link] [comments]
Age 46: Jan 7th start drug SW 267 26.3% BF April 25th CW: 224 21.2% BF GW: 203-208 15-17% BF, will do next meet at 198 so want to stay within 5-10# of that
16 Week History 43# down, 2.69 pounds a week, 5.1% BF loss
Note: BF measurements above are from a home scale. On 3/21/24 I did a Fit 3D Scan and measured at 23.77% @ 234.3 BW, the scale was registering 22.6% BF this day so I’d estimate these BF measurements from scale are 1% off
Lifts recorded in competition, 24 hour weigh ins
4/22/2023: BW: 266.1 (water cut 8#) Squat 518.1 = 1.94X BW Bench 374.8 = 1.40X BW Deadlift 633.8 = 2.38 BW
4/6/2024: BW: 227.7 (did a minor water cut was 232 week of meet) Squat 474 = 2.08X BW Bench 352.7 = 1.55X BW Deadlift 601.8 = 2.64 BW
Training: 4 Day split with main lift each day (MTWF) followed by 3-4 accessory lifts, followed Ed Coan’s 11 week peaking template. The main problem I had was all lifts in the peaking program were based on my maxes at a heavier weight, about 4 weeks in on Feb 7th I was already down to 251, this 16 pound loss was completely messing up my squat form and I had to drastically reduce my maxes in the program to complete each day’s lifts. On March 7th I was at 239, again I had to refactor my maxes to continue the meet peak and not miss lifts in the gym. The workouts sucked, I dragged ass through most of them, prior to sema I was consuming at least 3k calories a day and had no problems training.
Nutrition: Prior to starting this drug I quit drinking on September 24th, 2023 and got my low key alcoholism in check first, this was the next step in getting my health in order. I don’t think I could have done both at once. Once I felt confident I had put that demon in his box I started attacking my overall health.
The first four weeks at a .25mg dose I was only able to eat ~1500 calories a day, my TDEE at this time should have been roughly 3500 calories a day. After four weeks I moved to .5mg which is where I have stayed since then. My TDEE now is 3,261 calories per day. Daily intake is currently ~1800 calories a day. I meal prep lunch and dinner and have a protein bar for breakfast and a few snacks throughout the day. I weigh everything I eat and record everything. Macro breakdown is 40 Fat, 30 Carb, 30 Protein but I don’t worry about macros when eating or prepping this is just how it worked out over the last 16 weeks. My gf started in November and has lost 50# without calorie tracking, she does get her lunch and dinner prepared by me though and doesn’t snack and works on her feet all day but does not workout. It is possible to lose weight without tracking calories but it's easier and quicker if you do.
Thoughts: I see people discouraged on here and not losing weight like they think they should. Be honest with yourself and weigh and record EVERYTHING you eat for a week, including sauces, dressings, etc. The first law of thermodynamics is immutable. If you’re burning more calories than you’re consuming the weight will come off. I know people can say you could have just done CICO, yeah probably, but I was ALWAYS hungry prior to this drug and now I’m not. The food noise suppression, at least for me, has been fantastic. My biggest fear was losing strength I had spent years building. That didn’t happen, all my lifts went up as a coefficient of body weight. I feel great and plan on wearing minimal shirts all summer long now :)
2024.04.22 16:58 HumbleHubris86 531 for Hardgainers Review
I just wrapped up 2 cycles of the 531 for hardgainers template and since reviews for this are scarce, figured I would post one. I ran this template following BtM and feel like they are pretty similar, Hardgainers almost being a 4 day BtM. Mythical Strength has done a pretty good Hardgainer write-up if you search the sub.
Results comparing my max test following BtM to this past weekend. Note that I test all the lifts in one day and pretty much just target whatever weight I would need to keep the training max increase on track. BW- 246 to 240 Squat- 415 to 430 Press- 225 to 230 (lifetime PR) Deadlift- 475 to 505 Bench- 315 to 325
Review: Hardgainer is a 4 day/week template with push/pull/SLC assistance work prescribed everyday but the exercise choice is left to the trainee. I typically performed push and leg assistance as conditioning. Bench and Press days have prowler work prescribed which i dont have access to, so i started off doing rower sprints but eventually just switched over to whatever conditioning i felt like doing.
Diet: Nothing crazy, i pretty much stuck to my eating schedule i had been forllowing for Beefcake/BtM just cutting out a serving of trail mix, a protein bar, and switching from whole to skim milk products (milk, cottage cheese). This cut about 500 calories a day which makes sense since i lost 6lbs in 6 weeks. I typically just eat cottage cheese, berries, chicken, rice, beans, veggies. I do a massive food prep on sundays and eat that for lunch and dinner until it's gone and then cook whatever is still in my fridge/freezer until sunday rolls back around. I eat out about once a week and only drink a couple beers on friday and/or saturday. I really enjoy beer but i cut it out (all alcohol) during BtM and i had never seen gains like i did during that period. I've come to fully believe that any and all alcohol takes away from your gains, especially as i get older. But i accept that i enjoy it, especially with good company as the weather gets nicer, but it is unhealthy and counter productive with all of my fitness goals and i'm trying to moderate it as such.
Conditioning: Typically some combination of calisthenics and kettlebell work. Often i would aim for 100 reps between 1 or 2 exercises, something like 5 rounds of 10 burpees and 10 kb clean and press or 100 kb thrusters for time. Sometimes i would feel like using my heavier bells so i would do something like AMRAP 20min of kb c&p or alternate between kb c&p and kb front squats à la Geoff Nupert's dry fighting weight or The Giant workouts. I was pretty good about hitting 4 sessions a week, maybe 2 or 3 weeks of only 3 conditioning sessions.
Squat Day: Pr sets followed by widowmakers. I capped the pr sets at 10 reps and widowmakers at 20. Im still not "great" at widowmakers but i saw improvement, only hit 17 reps on the first 3s week but hit 20 on the next one at 10lbs heavier. My last session i hit 290 for 18 which felt brutal. Pr sets were quite a challenge as well but having a target of 10 reps was helpful and only missed it on both 1s weeks, hitting 8 the first and 9 the second. Assitance work on this day was ab work and trying to hit 50 reps of pullups in as few sets as possible, eventually getting to 5x10 and then continuing that to 8x10 on the last week. Pullup endurance improved well and hitting widowmakers after ab work really sucks.
Bench day: 5x531. This was a continuation of the bench day for BtM. Not much to say except the weight keeps going up and i complete the reps pretty quickly. Assistance was abs, barbell rows, and weighted dips. Some curls thrown in here or there. Rows i typically did as 10x10 superset between all my bench work, loved it. After bench i started doing 5x10 weighted dips since i was using the rower, i wanted some push assistance. Worked up to 5x10xbw+50, i havent done weighted dips in probably 10 years. These felt good but really made me suffer when i switched my conditioning to the kb/calisthenics stuff. It's bad when you are 16 reps into a 100 rep workout and you think your arms are going to fall off. Bench day was my favorite on this template.
Deadlift Day: Pr sets and 5x5 fsl. Capped pr sets at 10 reps. Forgot how much high rep DLs burn the hamstrings. I was also surprised how much 5x5 fsl deadlifts suck following the PR sets. Hit 10 reps on every week except for 1s weeks, getting 9 the first cycle and calling it at just 5 the second cycle (my one truly shitty day on this template). Assistance was ab work, weighted chinups, and reverse flies. Worked up to 5x5xbw+60 on the chins. Reverse flies supersetted between fsl sets. Conditioning surprisingly did not suck as much as I thought it would on this day.
Press day: 5s pro with BBS. Since BtM had 2 cycles of BBS, I decided to blend in the Bbs challenge. First cycle was at 75% of training max and second cycle at 80% TM. This was a good choice, challenging but doable each cycle. My assistance work on this day varied quite a bit. I was trying to come up with some kind of circuit with BBS work and assistance exercise and at first i was cramming in too much, taking me nearly 40 minutes to complete the circuit. What ended up working the best was supersetting barbell rows for 10x5 and band pull aparts, OR supersetting shrugs and curls. My conditioning work on this day was chosen to have exercises that didnt require as much strict pressing, so kb clean and jerks or thrusters were common.
Closing thoughts: I really enjoyed the template. If you read mythical review he says something like his biggest complaint is that there is no real defined goal or challenge to build up to overcoming. I agree with the sentiment. On something like BtM or Beefcake my goal was to just survive and hit the 100 pullup/200dips on day one. With this template, it is much more manageable so having a defined goal to press towards would be a good thing to have in mind before starting, and something I'm going to try to do in templates going forward. My most productive aspects of this training were places where I had goals in mind; aiming for 5x10 pullups, BBS challenge at 80%TM for press, and progressing weighted dips. As i detailed earlier in the post, i hit higher numbers for all my lifts while dropping body weight. I think i had some left in the tank for all of the lifts except for press, but everything felt extremely heavy. Generally, the lifting portion of my workouts were about 50 minutes, then I would take 5-10 minute break as I clean up my weights and get ready for conditioning which would take me between 8-20 minutes. I enjoyed being able to push the conditioning and really like my conditioning template I've been using. I'm transitioning to a more long distance running focus and my first long run was the day after my max test. I ran for ~1hr and 10 minutes and pretty much just ran out of road and stopped. I was moving at a humble pace but considering all of the hills on my route and the fact I haven't done a long run since October I am very pleased with my conditioning. I have another few weeks before the running volume really ramps up so I'm thinking of doing a cycle of "BtM lite" and then probably something like 1000% Awesome until the running volume necessitates that I drop to a 2 day/week template around mid summer. All in all, loved the template, I would keep going on it if not for other goals "forcing" me into a 3 day/week lifting schedule. Happy lifting.
submitted by HumbleHubris86 to 531Discussion [link] [comments]
Results comparing my max test following BtM to this past weekend. Note that I test all the lifts in one day and pretty much just target whatever weight I would need to keep the training max increase on track. BW- 246 to 240 Squat- 415 to 430 Press- 225 to 230 (lifetime PR) Deadlift- 475 to 505 Bench- 315 to 325
Review: Hardgainer is a 4 day/week template with push/pull/SLC assistance work prescribed everyday but the exercise choice is left to the trainee. I typically performed push and leg assistance as conditioning. Bench and Press days have prowler work prescribed which i dont have access to, so i started off doing rower sprints but eventually just switched over to whatever conditioning i felt like doing.
Diet: Nothing crazy, i pretty much stuck to my eating schedule i had been forllowing for Beefcake/BtM just cutting out a serving of trail mix, a protein bar, and switching from whole to skim milk products (milk, cottage cheese). This cut about 500 calories a day which makes sense since i lost 6lbs in 6 weeks. I typically just eat cottage cheese, berries, chicken, rice, beans, veggies. I do a massive food prep on sundays and eat that for lunch and dinner until it's gone and then cook whatever is still in my fridge/freezer until sunday rolls back around. I eat out about once a week and only drink a couple beers on friday and/or saturday. I really enjoy beer but i cut it out (all alcohol) during BtM and i had never seen gains like i did during that period. I've come to fully believe that any and all alcohol takes away from your gains, especially as i get older. But i accept that i enjoy it, especially with good company as the weather gets nicer, but it is unhealthy and counter productive with all of my fitness goals and i'm trying to moderate it as such.
Conditioning: Typically some combination of calisthenics and kettlebell work. Often i would aim for 100 reps between 1 or 2 exercises, something like 5 rounds of 10 burpees and 10 kb clean and press or 100 kb thrusters for time. Sometimes i would feel like using my heavier bells so i would do something like AMRAP 20min of kb c&p or alternate between kb c&p and kb front squats à la Geoff Nupert's dry fighting weight or The Giant workouts. I was pretty good about hitting 4 sessions a week, maybe 2 or 3 weeks of only 3 conditioning sessions.
Squat Day: Pr sets followed by widowmakers. I capped the pr sets at 10 reps and widowmakers at 20. Im still not "great" at widowmakers but i saw improvement, only hit 17 reps on the first 3s week but hit 20 on the next one at 10lbs heavier. My last session i hit 290 for 18 which felt brutal. Pr sets were quite a challenge as well but having a target of 10 reps was helpful and only missed it on both 1s weeks, hitting 8 the first and 9 the second. Assitance work on this day was ab work and trying to hit 50 reps of pullups in as few sets as possible, eventually getting to 5x10 and then continuing that to 8x10 on the last week. Pullup endurance improved well and hitting widowmakers after ab work really sucks.
Bench day: 5x531. This was a continuation of the bench day for BtM. Not much to say except the weight keeps going up and i complete the reps pretty quickly. Assistance was abs, barbell rows, and weighted dips. Some curls thrown in here or there. Rows i typically did as 10x10 superset between all my bench work, loved it. After bench i started doing 5x10 weighted dips since i was using the rower, i wanted some push assistance. Worked up to 5x10xbw+50, i havent done weighted dips in probably 10 years. These felt good but really made me suffer when i switched my conditioning to the kb/calisthenics stuff. It's bad when you are 16 reps into a 100 rep workout and you think your arms are going to fall off. Bench day was my favorite on this template.
Deadlift Day: Pr sets and 5x5 fsl. Capped pr sets at 10 reps. Forgot how much high rep DLs burn the hamstrings. I was also surprised how much 5x5 fsl deadlifts suck following the PR sets. Hit 10 reps on every week except for 1s weeks, getting 9 the first cycle and calling it at just 5 the second cycle (my one truly shitty day on this template). Assistance was ab work, weighted chinups, and reverse flies. Worked up to 5x5xbw+60 on the chins. Reverse flies supersetted between fsl sets. Conditioning surprisingly did not suck as much as I thought it would on this day.
Press day: 5s pro with BBS. Since BtM had 2 cycles of BBS, I decided to blend in the Bbs challenge. First cycle was at 75% of training max and second cycle at 80% TM. This was a good choice, challenging but doable each cycle. My assistance work on this day varied quite a bit. I was trying to come up with some kind of circuit with BBS work and assistance exercise and at first i was cramming in too much, taking me nearly 40 minutes to complete the circuit. What ended up working the best was supersetting barbell rows for 10x5 and band pull aparts, OR supersetting shrugs and curls. My conditioning work on this day was chosen to have exercises that didnt require as much strict pressing, so kb clean and jerks or thrusters were common.
Closing thoughts: I really enjoyed the template. If you read mythical review he says something like his biggest complaint is that there is no real defined goal or challenge to build up to overcoming. I agree with the sentiment. On something like BtM or Beefcake my goal was to just survive and hit the 100 pullup/200dips on day one. With this template, it is much more manageable so having a defined goal to press towards would be a good thing to have in mind before starting, and something I'm going to try to do in templates going forward. My most productive aspects of this training were places where I had goals in mind; aiming for 5x10 pullups, BBS challenge at 80%TM for press, and progressing weighted dips. As i detailed earlier in the post, i hit higher numbers for all my lifts while dropping body weight. I think i had some left in the tank for all of the lifts except for press, but everything felt extremely heavy. Generally, the lifting portion of my workouts were about 50 minutes, then I would take 5-10 minute break as I clean up my weights and get ready for conditioning which would take me between 8-20 minutes. I enjoyed being able to push the conditioning and really like my conditioning template I've been using. I'm transitioning to a more long distance running focus and my first long run was the day after my max test. I ran for ~1hr and 10 minutes and pretty much just ran out of road and stopped. I was moving at a humble pace but considering all of the hills on my route and the fact I haven't done a long run since October I am very pleased with my conditioning. I have another few weeks before the running volume really ramps up so I'm thinking of doing a cycle of "BtM lite" and then probably something like 1000% Awesome until the running volume necessitates that I drop to a 2 day/week template around mid summer. All in all, loved the template, I would keep going on it if not for other goals "forcing" me into a 3 day/week lifting schedule. Happy lifting.
2024.04.16 15:57 tommyjaspers Now being an HRM, I'll share my view from that side, plus some tips that could possibly help.
Disclaimer: I was laid off last year as part of a 25% reduction. I applied to ~500 positions. Out of those 500, I interacted with about 25-30. Made it to the last round with ~5 or so, and got 1 offer which I rejected. Then an offer I accepted (but since then moved to a new gig). It took me 2.5 months total, and I spent 9am-6pm M-F on my search.
Now find myself in a position where I have to fill a few roles. We're a SaaS place, and applicants need to know cloud tech, basic programming, troubleshooting. Pay is in the 175-225k range.
I am working with a recruiter who crafted the JD, posted the openings, and is reviewing the responses. We received ~1000 applicants in the first 3 days.
This is our hiring process:
Resume/Profile review:
We're trying to fill these roles, so the recruiter is chasing me to set up interviews. If I can please review 10 new profiles before lunch? I am booked solid from 9 till 1, but sure, I'll give it a spin. My 10am ends at 10:45, I guess I'll have a look now.... 15 minutes to review 10 profiles....
First, I click the link to your LinkedIn profile and check:
Then I review the actual resume and treat it differently depending on years of experience. I am hiring a Jr and for people with 3-5 years I read every word. For the Sr role I check maybe 7 years back. I really don't care what you did back in 2015, it can be a totally different field.
This time I scan from the top down and read your current role very intently, the previous one a little less, and the 3rd just a cursory glance. I look certs and education, personal interest and hobbies. I don't like resumes that don't mention these sections and only list experiences.
As for resume themselves, layout and content? Oh boy... People throw some creative, but ultimate unreadable stuff out there!
Formats: Fancy formats with colors and fun fonts are probably OK in the creative space, but I care for NONE of it for the sole reason that it is hard to digest and I only have 15 min to review 10 resumes remember?
The Harvard Business school format is simple and concise. It's by far the best format out there. Boring AF, but so readable. Here is their template: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1cJZIlwfCHBVcPPMxN0n5gUiEf1axv1_ytv6mWkX7cgw/edit
Layout: 1-5 years experience? 1 page only! 5-15? 1-2 pages. 15+ sure, add a 3rd.
This is by FAR one of my biggest complaints. I do not have time to read 7 pages of resume. I get that people want to list every little thing they ever worked on, and I sometimes see 15+ bullets for a gig you were in for 5 month! WTF! My recommendation is to list no more than 7 bullets per role, and list fewer and fewer for older roles. For a job you held 10 years ago? It's OK to just list the role with no bullets at all.
Content: If your last few roles where in the same tech space, I don't want to read the same thing you did. E.g. "troubleshot AWS issues". Given that it's so basic, if you want to list that at all, list it for your oldest role. When I see that, I assume that skill carries to your more recent roles.
Instead I want to know how you went above and beyond. Show me that you were not just a user of tech but improved on it. E.g. "Proficient in Microsoft Excel". The subject here is Excel and it tells me you can use Excel and know the basics. "Introduced macros and pivot tables for automated reporting in Excel". The subject now is that you expanded upon Excel's abilities and it totally follows that you're obviously proficient in Excel, actually an expert in it.
This is to say that the bullets need to be more about YOU and what YOU did with a tech versus just mentioning that you know it.
And when I said to just list only a few bullets? These bullets have to be 1 LINE per bullet only, don't let them run on the next line!
Yes, that means cutting all the crab and buzzwords out of it and distill it to it's pure essence only.
I see a lot of things like "Upgrade process: When I first joined the company, the upgrade process was cumbersome and painful. After a few months I decided to improve on it, and researched a few alternatives before settling on tech A which made things easier for everyone and reduced complexity "
That should be a bullet like this: "Reduced upgrade complexity by 20% researching, introducing and tailoring tech A."
Each bullet needs to start with an action word. There are lists of those, e.g. here: https://www.colorado.edu/careejob-searching/resumes-and-cover-letters/resumes/action-verbs-use-your-resume
TL;DR: You get 1.5 min of my time. I do not have time to figure out your fancy formatting and 7 pages of work history. Present a concise, filled out resume I can digest in short order. I need to see progressive experience with more details for the last roles.
From the things you do list I need to see what you DID and not what you KNOW.
After my review I decide whether the recruiter will do a screen. The recruiter then screens and rejects some and writes up maybes and yesses. I then review those notes and reject people at this stage, mostly based of what the recruiter suggests. "I think he can do the job but he was a bit elusive on..." -> reject!
Then a Zoom interview is scheduled and we get 45min to chat. Most people fail this stage, and not even because I doubt their actual skills. The #1 reason people don't make it past me because I could not establish a connection to them as a fellow human.
As for the Zoom setup itself: I can't stress to be dressed appropriately, be in a well lit room and don't have a Zoom background that blends you in from time to time (blur is OK).
Additionally, have the camera facing you. A trick I learned is to make the Zoom window narrow in which case the other party pops to the top. I then move that window all the way up to have the person close to my own camera. That way it's almost as if your looking at each other.
Make sure the sound is ok, and that there is no one else in the room. Make sure there is no background noise. I've had people take calls from the car, from a coffee shop "oh sorry, I just ordered a latte and it's ready, be right back". These are massive turn offs!
Show up on time and be on camera as soon as you join. I've joined calls where the person likely stepped away and only opens his camera and sound a minute or 2 in. If you don't show up within 5 minutes I am dropping the call and tell the recruiter to move on.
Since I hate interviewing when looking for a job myself , and am usually nervous as fuck I appreciate interviewers who take the lead and give an intro and that is what I do. I hate interviewers who jump on a call and say 'So, tell me about you'.
Thus, I start the interview and give a 8-10 min intro about me, the company and the role. In my intro I say that when I am done I am asking you to introduce themselves and tell a bit about their job history and what they are looking for, so you have a 10 min headsup. That gives people a chance to get used to my voice and mentally prepare for their turn.
Now, when I do my 10min intro I do watch your body language closely. Are people taking notes? have expressions of surprise, smile, laugh? All those are big positives to me since it shows engagement. I interviewed one person in a dark lit room sitting in front of some sort of flag and he didn't move at all, with no expression whatshowever. It was like one of those hostage videos. By the time I was done my intro, I knew he would not be hired.
So.. first impressions matter!!! Feign interest if you must, but by jolly engage with the material, make notes and have expressions. I especially like if people then immediately ask a question after I am done: "If I may, did you say the company was international based? Where is HQ?" before launching into their own intro. It tells me that I am speaking with a fellow human.
Your own intro needs to be concise and span your whole career. "Graduated in 2010, spent the first few years doing support when realized I liked development more, etc". Make this a 5-10 min thing and practice it over and over again. This is the meat of your application and you need to rehearse it. Many people start to ramble and I have to cut them off, other people say just a few lines about their last role and then fall silent.
Then we dive into the role and it becomes a back and forth about experiences. But honestly, by then I usually already know if I am going to move ahead. Because as the manager I need to know that you fit in my team, that you are a normal human being. Whether you know the latest tech or relevant tech is not decided by me, but during the next coding interview. During the back and forth I really just watch how you formulate your answers, whether you ask questions, and how you describe problems and present yourself.
The last 5-10 min are for your questions: HAVE SOME prepared! Write down more questions than there is time. Ask the ones you have based on the interview first, then the more general ones.
Not asking any questions is a turn off to me (despite loving that I get 10 min back)..I.e. I am not doing anything to fill out the time allotted. If you ever don't make it to the end of the scheduled time then I bet you won't make it to the next round. It's also OK to ask about next steps, I don't volunteer those, but happily fill you in.
From there you are on your own, it's out of my hands. If you can't make it past my team due to insufficient skills, that's on you. I don't think any HRM has lots of influence at that point other than perhaps deciding between 2 candidates who made it all the way through.
Re-reading this makes me sound like a Nazi death camp doctor who has to decide if you live or not. But honestly, with some simple improvements anyone can make it past the HRM.
Happy to answer some questions, but don't want to review your profile for some custom tips lol.
Hope this all helps. Hang in there everyone! If you have been looking for months? Perhaps delete your resume and start over and take a new approach.
Hang in there and good luck!
submitted by tommyjaspers to recruitinghell [link] [comments]
Now find myself in a position where I have to fill a few roles. We're a SaaS place, and applicants need to know cloud tech, basic programming, troubleshooting. Pay is in the 175-225k range.
I am working with a recruiter who crafted the JD, posted the openings, and is reviewing the responses. We received ~1000 applicants in the first 3 days.
This is our hiring process:
- 1st round: Filters! Yes, filters are real, but ours are not keyword filters. They are based on what you answer to questions asked during the application: Location, citizen/sponsorship, years experience with X, Y and Z?
- 2nd round: The filters knock out a lot, after which the recruiter reviews the remaining ones. Recruiter tells me there are a lot of obvious fake profiles and reports that he sees duplicates styled resumes with apparently AI is getting worse!
- 3rd round: Recruiter then identifies interesting profiles for me to check out. I get to say yay/nay on whether the recruiter should have a chat.
- 4rd round: Recruiter speaks with the candidate and checks vibe, comp, basics and does a write up. Rejects obvious frauds which there are a lot: e.g people who don't go on camera, delayed responses after keyboard clicking (chatgpt)
- 5th round: I check that write up and then decide if I want to speak with the candidate. This is not an automatic.. e.g if someone applied for the jr positions and has been a director for 10 years.. you're out. Perhaps you want to be an IC again, but sorry, I can't risk that. You likely need a gig and will jump at the first opportunity. My advise here is that if you truly want that, tailor your resume to stress that.
- 6th round: Interview with me. ~90% don't make it past me, and I'll explain why below.
- 7th round: Coding interview with team. If one of the team members is a no/maybe.. it's over.
- 8th round: Interview with engineering leader.
- 9th round: Interview with CTO, basically a meet & greet. You really have to mess up to fail this round.
Resume/Profile review:
We're trying to fill these roles, so the recruiter is chasing me to set up interviews. If I can please review 10 new profiles before lunch? I am booked solid from 9 till 1, but sure, I'll give it a spin. My 10am ends at 10:45, I guess I'll have a look now.... 15 minutes to review 10 profiles....
First, I click the link to your LinkedIn profile and check:
- Clear, professional profile picture?
- Posting history?
- Scroll to bottom and check education, certs and interests
- Scroll from bottom to top and check your career path. I casually check out company/role, and a few of the bullits.
- And I am taking mental notes of dates: graduated in 2010, jr eng at A for 2 years in 2010, engineer with B for 3 in 2012, etc
Then I review the actual resume and treat it differently depending on years of experience. I am hiring a Jr and for people with 3-5 years I read every word. For the Sr role I check maybe 7 years back. I really don't care what you did back in 2015, it can be a totally different field.
This time I scan from the top down and read your current role very intently, the previous one a little less, and the 3rd just a cursory glance. I look certs and education, personal interest and hobbies. I don't like resumes that don't mention these sections and only list experiences.
As for resume themselves, layout and content? Oh boy... People throw some creative, but ultimate unreadable stuff out there!
Formats: Fancy formats with colors and fun fonts are probably OK in the creative space, but I care for NONE of it for the sole reason that it is hard to digest and I only have 15 min to review 10 resumes remember?
The Harvard Business school format is simple and concise. It's by far the best format out there. Boring AF, but so readable. Here is their template: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1cJZIlwfCHBVcPPMxN0n5gUiEf1axv1_ytv6mWkX7cgw/edit
Layout: 1-5 years experience? 1 page only! 5-15? 1-2 pages. 15+ sure, add a 3rd.
This is by FAR one of my biggest complaints. I do not have time to read 7 pages of resume. I get that people want to list every little thing they ever worked on, and I sometimes see 15+ bullets for a gig you were in for 5 month! WTF! My recommendation is to list no more than 7 bullets per role, and list fewer and fewer for older roles. For a job you held 10 years ago? It's OK to just list the role with no bullets at all.
Content: If your last few roles where in the same tech space, I don't want to read the same thing you did. E.g. "troubleshot AWS issues". Given that it's so basic, if you want to list that at all, list it for your oldest role. When I see that, I assume that skill carries to your more recent roles.
Instead I want to know how you went above and beyond. Show me that you were not just a user of tech but improved on it. E.g. "Proficient in Microsoft Excel". The subject here is Excel and it tells me you can use Excel and know the basics. "Introduced macros and pivot tables for automated reporting in Excel". The subject now is that you expanded upon Excel's abilities and it totally follows that you're obviously proficient in Excel, actually an expert in it.
This is to say that the bullets need to be more about YOU and what YOU did with a tech versus just mentioning that you know it.
And when I said to just list only a few bullets? These bullets have to be 1 LINE per bullet only, don't let them run on the next line!
Yes, that means cutting all the crab and buzzwords out of it and distill it to it's pure essence only.
I see a lot of things like "Upgrade process: When I first joined the company, the upgrade process was cumbersome and painful. After a few months I decided to improve on it, and researched a few alternatives before settling on tech A which made things easier for everyone and reduced complexity "
That should be a bullet like this: "Reduced upgrade complexity by 20% researching, introducing and tailoring tech A."
Each bullet needs to start with an action word. There are lists of those, e.g. here: https://www.colorado.edu/careejob-searching/resumes-and-cover-letters/resumes/action-verbs-use-your-resume
TL;DR: You get 1.5 min of my time. I do not have time to figure out your fancy formatting and 7 pages of work history. Present a concise, filled out resume I can digest in short order. I need to see progressive experience with more details for the last roles.
From the things you do list I need to see what you DID and not what you KNOW.
After my review I decide whether the recruiter will do a screen. The recruiter then screens and rejects some and writes up maybes and yesses. I then review those notes and reject people at this stage, mostly based of what the recruiter suggests. "I think he can do the job but he was a bit elusive on..." -> reject!
Then a Zoom interview is scheduled and we get 45min to chat. Most people fail this stage, and not even because I doubt their actual skills. The #1 reason people don't make it past me because I could not establish a connection to them as a fellow human.
As for the Zoom setup itself: I can't stress to be dressed appropriately, be in a well lit room and don't have a Zoom background that blends you in from time to time (blur is OK).
Additionally, have the camera facing you. A trick I learned is to make the Zoom window narrow in which case the other party pops to the top. I then move that window all the way up to have the person close to my own camera. That way it's almost as if your looking at each other.
Make sure the sound is ok, and that there is no one else in the room. Make sure there is no background noise. I've had people take calls from the car, from a coffee shop "oh sorry, I just ordered a latte and it's ready, be right back". These are massive turn offs!
Show up on time and be on camera as soon as you join. I've joined calls where the person likely stepped away and only opens his camera and sound a minute or 2 in. If you don't show up within 5 minutes I am dropping the call and tell the recruiter to move on.
Since I hate interviewing when looking for a job myself , and am usually nervous as fuck I appreciate interviewers who take the lead and give an intro and that is what I do. I hate interviewers who jump on a call and say 'So, tell me about you'.
Thus, I start the interview and give a 8-10 min intro about me, the company and the role. In my intro I say that when I am done I am asking you to introduce themselves and tell a bit about their job history and what they are looking for, so you have a 10 min headsup. That gives people a chance to get used to my voice and mentally prepare for their turn.
Now, when I do my 10min intro I do watch your body language closely. Are people taking notes? have expressions of surprise, smile, laugh? All those are big positives to me since it shows engagement. I interviewed one person in a dark lit room sitting in front of some sort of flag and he didn't move at all, with no expression whatshowever. It was like one of those hostage videos. By the time I was done my intro, I knew he would not be hired.
So.. first impressions matter!!! Feign interest if you must, but by jolly engage with the material, make notes and have expressions. I especially like if people then immediately ask a question after I am done: "If I may, did you say the company was international based? Where is HQ?" before launching into their own intro. It tells me that I am speaking with a fellow human.
Your own intro needs to be concise and span your whole career. "Graduated in 2010, spent the first few years doing support when realized I liked development more, etc". Make this a 5-10 min thing and practice it over and over again. This is the meat of your application and you need to rehearse it. Many people start to ramble and I have to cut them off, other people say just a few lines about their last role and then fall silent.
Then we dive into the role and it becomes a back and forth about experiences. But honestly, by then I usually already know if I am going to move ahead. Because as the manager I need to know that you fit in my team, that you are a normal human being. Whether you know the latest tech or relevant tech is not decided by me, but during the next coding interview. During the back and forth I really just watch how you formulate your answers, whether you ask questions, and how you describe problems and present yourself.
The last 5-10 min are for your questions: HAVE SOME prepared! Write down more questions than there is time. Ask the ones you have based on the interview first, then the more general ones.
Not asking any questions is a turn off to me (despite loving that I get 10 min back)..I.e. I am not doing anything to fill out the time allotted. If you ever don't make it to the end of the scheduled time then I bet you won't make it to the next round. It's also OK to ask about next steps, I don't volunteer those, but happily fill you in.
From there you are on your own, it's out of my hands. If you can't make it past my team due to insufficient skills, that's on you. I don't think any HRM has lots of influence at that point other than perhaps deciding between 2 candidates who made it all the way through.
Re-reading this makes me sound like a Nazi death camp doctor who has to decide if you live or not. But honestly, with some simple improvements anyone can make it past the HRM.
Happy to answer some questions, but don't want to review your profile for some custom tips lol.
Hope this all helps. Hang in there everyone! If you have been looking for months? Perhaps delete your resume and start over and take a new approach.
Hang in there and good luck!
2024.04.15 15:31 ClassicFeen1443 How to resign "nicely"
Hi all, I am a junior at a boutique consulting firm (1+ year) and I've been struggling with quitting for a while now.
I really need some perspective/help on this topic so I am reaching out.
Context: I got placed into a really shitty project and management haven't done anything tangible for me. Every time I am called in for "a conversation" its fake promises to convince me to stay on the engagement.
Once, twice, I did sincerely voice out my concerns on the project but after the third time I just kind of mentally checked out from work and with my MDs speaking to me directly to convince me to stay I really don't/didn't have any choice than just to nod and smile to whatever they had to say.
However, a few of my coworkers who also got placed on this project quit earlier in the quarter and things have escalated since then. I've gotten more responsibilities (e.g. leading the team, getting granted a budget to frequently treat lunch to the team, working closely with the MD to manage stakeholders, etc). Honestly I have better plans than staying at this job that offers me nothing. I always planned to relocate but with things at this job and some factors outside work convinces me every day that the time is now.
I am planning on quitting tonight by sending an email to HR, reason being relocation. I want to make this process as quick and involve as few people as possible. I know many people will be shocked or at least act like they are.
I don't see myself returning to this firm in the future, but I still want to keep things professional, respectful, and not burn any bridges. Please share your advice on how I can resign in a "nice" manner but any opinions/comments are also appreciated. Some specific questions I have are:
Edit: Thank you all so much for your comments. I currently have a few options I am working towards (another job at new location, grad school etc) but to be honest I am not that worried about quitting without a job lined up immediately. This current project is actually making me dumb and I am not happy at all in the city I’m in, so switching to another company here is also not an option.
I agree at the end of the day nobody cares whether or not I am gone, and the business will continue.
Your comments definitely gave me a new perspective, I will reach out to my manager and the MD, then make it official with the email with HR. I was also verbally promised a promotion mid-year in return of staying in this project, which I considered briefly knowing that the senior title may be beneficial to me in the future, but I think even 2 more months of this is not worth it. Nothing is guaranteed and every second, minute, hour and day matters so much to me. The past few months was more than enough for me to get to a point where I can confidently say this city and this job no longer serves me which led to making this decision with conviction.
I value each and every one of your input, thank you again and wishing you all the best.
submitted by ClassicFeen1443 to consulting [link] [comments]
I really need some perspective/help on this topic so I am reaching out.
Context: I got placed into a really shitty project and management haven't done anything tangible for me. Every time I am called in for "a conversation" its fake promises to convince me to stay on the engagement.
Once, twice, I did sincerely voice out my concerns on the project but after the third time I just kind of mentally checked out from work and with my MDs speaking to me directly to convince me to stay I really don't/didn't have any choice than just to nod and smile to whatever they had to say.
However, a few of my coworkers who also got placed on this project quit earlier in the quarter and things have escalated since then. I've gotten more responsibilities (e.g. leading the team, getting granted a budget to frequently treat lunch to the team, working closely with the MD to manage stakeholders, etc). Honestly I have better plans than staying at this job that offers me nothing. I always planned to relocate but with things at this job and some factors outside work convinces me every day that the time is now.
I am planning on quitting tonight by sending an email to HR, reason being relocation. I want to make this process as quick and involve as few people as possible. I know many people will be shocked or at least act like they are.
I don't see myself returning to this firm in the future, but I still want to keep things professional, respectful, and not burn any bridges. Please share your advice on how I can resign in a "nice" manner but any opinions/comments are also appreciated. Some specific questions I have are:
- Should I inform/hint to the MD or my direct manager before sending the resignation letter to HR? The reason I wanted to send the letter to HR only is that this company is quite small, and things can get informal sometimes. I just want to handle this professionally.
- Is there a recommended template for the resignation letter that you suggest I use?
Edit: Thank you all so much for your comments. I currently have a few options I am working towards (another job at new location, grad school etc) but to be honest I am not that worried about quitting without a job lined up immediately. This current project is actually making me dumb and I am not happy at all in the city I’m in, so switching to another company here is also not an option.
I agree at the end of the day nobody cares whether or not I am gone, and the business will continue.
Your comments definitely gave me a new perspective, I will reach out to my manager and the MD, then make it official with the email with HR. I was also verbally promised a promotion mid-year in return of staying in this project, which I considered briefly knowing that the senior title may be beneficial to me in the future, but I think even 2 more months of this is not worth it. Nothing is guaranteed and every second, minute, hour and day matters so much to me. The past few months was more than enough for me to get to a point where I can confidently say this city and this job no longer serves me which led to making this decision with conviction.
I value each and every one of your input, thank you again and wishing you all the best.